MOOSEWOOD'S BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH SAGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Brush the bottom of a baking pan with olive oil and set aside. Cut the squash through the stem ends into halves, prick the skin in several places with a knife, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Brush the cut surfaces with about a tablespoon of the olive oil.
• Put the garlic inside the squash cavities and place halves in the pan cut side down.
• Add the onions to the pan and brush with remaining olive oil. Pour the water into the bottom of the pan, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 50 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for 5-10 minutes more or until the squash is tender and the onions are soft.
• When the squash is cooled enough to handle, scoop out the flesh.
• Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and discard the skins.
• In batches in a blender, combine the baked vegetables, apple juice or stock, thyme, nutmeg, salt and pepper and puree until it is smooth. (If you are making this ahead - chill here - and when ready go to the next direction).
• Pour the soup into a pot and heat gently.
• In a small skillet, melt the butter and saute the sage leaves until dark and curled.
• Garnish each bowl of soup with the sage leaves.