mhmm monday

Today’s mhmm comes from this website.  {Found it while bunny-trailing through other recipe blogs, I just love it when I find new recipe websites...}
 
Smoked Cheddar Butternut Squash Soup 

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
coarse salt and fresh black pepper
6 cups cubed squash (from about a 2 pound squash)
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 apples, diced (I used Gala)
1 heaping cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
1/3 cup half & half or heavy cream, optional
chopped chives or green onion, for serving
Directions:
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, a few pinches of salt and pepper and cook 6 - 7 minutes, stirring often.
Add the butternut squash and broth. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 25 - 30 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the apples. Puree the soup with a stick blender or in batches in the blender holding the top down with a kitchen towel so it won't blow off from the steam.
Return the soup to the saucepan over low heat and stir in the cheese and half & half. Bring back up to heat.
Serve garnished with a sprinkling of cheese and chives.
Enjoy!

Blessings