BEET-APPLE SOUP IN ACORN SQUASH BOWLS

Steps:

• Roast squash: Preheat oven to 375F.
• Cut off"tops" of squash (about 1 inch from stem end) and reserve.
• Scoop out seeds and discard.
• Cut a very thin slice off bottoms of squash to create a stable base.
• Brush"bowls" and tops all over with oil and sprinkle salt inside.
• Arrange squash bowls, with tops alongside, stem ends up, in large shallow baking pan.
• Roast squash until flesh of squash is just tender, about 1 1/4 hours total.
• (Do not get them overly soft or floppy. they need to hold their shape to hold the soup.) If a small hole forms, serve soup in squash but set in a soup bowl.
• Make soup while squash roast: Cook onion in oil in a 5-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add beets and apple and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
• Add broth and 4 cups water, then simmer, uncovered, until beets are tender, about 40 minutes.
• Stir in vinegar and brown sugar.
• Puree soup until very smooth, at least 1 minute per batch Please use caution when blending hot liquids.
• Return soup to pan, then season with salt and pepper and reheat.
• If soup is too thick, add enough water to thin to desired consistency.
• Serve soup in squash bowls.
• Soup can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.