PUMPKIN AND APPLE SOUP RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400ºF. Oil the inside of the pumpkin and season with salt. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake in the oven 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin meat is fork-tender. Remove from oven. When cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop out the roasted pumpkin. Set aside. In a large pot, melt butter over moderate heat. Once the butter is just beginning to brown, add onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add the apple, garlic, brown sugar, cinnamon, white pepper, nutmeg and cayenne, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring. Add roasted pumpkin, broth and cider, stirring to incorporate, then season with Kosher salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in cream and let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender in the pot) and purée until smooth. If needed, add additional water or broth to reach the desired consistency. Return the mixture to the saucepan to reheat. Serve warm and garnish with freshly diced apple and candied walnuts. MAKE AHEAD Like most soups, this one is even better made the day before. Reheat before serving.