Romantic Dinner For Two Butternut Squash And Bourbon Bisque Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BOURBON BISQUE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• With a sharp knife, prick the squash in several places to allow steam to escape while it cooks
• (otherwise it could burst). Place the squash in a baking dish lined with foil and roast for about 90 minutes, until the squash is soft when you push on it. Let cool for 30 minutes, so it=s easier to handle, then peel, seed, and remove strings. Cut the roasted squash into 1/2-inch pieces, or scoop meat out with a spoon.
• In a heavy soup kettle, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Cook until light golden brown and add the leeks and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes and add the garlic and ginger. When the garlic is fragrant, add the maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon, sherry and nutmeg. Add the squash and stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook gently for 15 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), puree the soup until very smooth. Add the evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes; do not bring to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Serve in soup plates.
• If you like, garnish this soup with garlic and Parmesan cheese croutons and a dollop of non fat sour cream.

WILD MUSHROOM BISQUE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in the soup pot, add onion and leeks and celery, allow to caramelize over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the salt, garlic and thyme and saute 3 more minutes.
• Add the wine, raise the heat and reduce for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook them with the onion mixture over medium-low heat for 6 minutes, stirring part way through cooking. Pour in the soaked mushrooms, stock and add tofu. Taste and add more sea salt, if necessary. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Remove thyme branches. Let the soup cool slightly and then puree in the blender to make a smooth creamy soup.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, Sauteed mushrooms, and a spoonful of tofu sour cream if you are feeling decadent.
• Cover the dried mushrooms with 1 cup hot water and set aside. Heat the olive oil in the soup pot and add the onions to caramelize. When they have turned a deep brown add the remaining vegetables, herbs, garlic, sea salt and saute an additional 3 minutes (add a little liquid if necessary). Add the dried porcini and their soaking liquid plus 9 cups cold water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes uncovered. Strain the stock through a fine mesh colander.
• Use as is or return it to the stove to reduce and intensify the flavor. A general rule of thumb: it takes about 15 minutes at a slow boil to reduce the volume of liquid by one cup. Yield: 6 to 8 cups

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE WITH VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Boil squash in lightly salted water until tender. Drain well, then puree together with butter, cream, syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Adjust seasoning. Heat through and serve.

BUTTERNUT BISQUE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute carrots, celery, leeks and jalapeno in butter for 10 minutes. Add the squash, broth and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until squash is tender, about 25 minutes. , Cool until lukewarm. In a blender or food processor, puree squash mixture in small batches until smooth; return to pan., Add cream, salt and pepper; mix well. Heat through but do not boil. Garnish with pecans.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & BOURBON BISQUE TO DIE FOR!

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• With a sharp knife, prick the squash in several places to allow steam to escape while it cooks (otherwise, it could burst).
• Place the squash in a baking dish lined with foil and roast for about 90 minutes, until the squash is soft when you push on it.
• Let cool for 30 minutes, so it's easier to handle, then peel, seed, and remove strings. Cut the roasted squash into 1/2-inch pieces, or scoop meat out with a spoon.
• In a heavy soup kettle, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Cook until light golden brown and add the leeks and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes and add the garlic and ginger.
• When the garlic is fragrant, add the maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon, sherry, and nutmeg. Add the squash and stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook gently for 15 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), puree the soup until very smooth.
• Add the evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes: do not bring to a boil.
• Add the cornstarch mixture and serve in soup plates.
• If you like, garnish this soup with garlic and Parmesan cheese croûtons and a dollop of nonfat sour cream.