Velvet Autumn Harvest: Spiced apple cider warmth.:

A Soup That Feels Like a Hug

This soup is my favorite for a chilly day. It feels like a warm hug from the inside. The butternut squash makes it so smooth and creamy. I love how the kitchen smells when it’s cooking.

It reminds me of my grandson’s first time trying it. He was so surprised he liked it. He thought squash was only for grown-ups. I still laugh at that.

Let’s Get Chopping

First, we need to get our squash ready. Peeling it is the hardest part. Be careful with that knife. I always use a big, stable cutting board.

Dice the squash into little cubes. They should all be about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. What’s your favorite vegetable to cook with?

The Magic in the Pot

Melt the butter in your biggest pot. Add the onion and garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Cooking them slowly makes the whole soup sweeter.

This step matters. It builds a deep, cozy flavor. Good food does not need to be complicated. It just needs a little patience and love.

Time to Make it Silky

Once the squash is soft, the fun begins. You get to blend it all up. I use my immersion blender right in the pot. It turns everything into velvet.

Fun fact: Butternut squash is packed with Vitamin A. It’s great for your eyes. So this soup is not just tasty, it’s good for you too. Do you prefer chunky or smooth soups?

Why This Soup is Special

This soup is more than just a meal. It is a way to take care of people. Sharing food is how we show we care. That is a lesson from my own grandma.

Making a simple, healthy meal matters. It connects us to our families and our homes. It is a small act of love. What is a food that makes you feel cared for?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Butternut squash	1 large	Approximately 3 to 3.5 cups diced
Chicken broth	32 ounces
Onion	1 large	Approximately 1 cup, diced
Garlic	1 teaspoon	Minced
Salted butter	4 tablespoons
Heavy whipping cream	1/2 cup	Plus more to garnish
Pumpkin pie spice	1 teaspoon	Pumpkin Spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice
Salt	1 teaspoon
Brown sugar	2 tablespoons

Velvet Autumn Harvest: Spiced Apple Cider Warmth

Hello, my dear. Come sit with me. The air is getting crisp outside. That means it’s time for my favorite soup. It tastes like a cozy sweater for your tummy.

This soup is my Velvet Autumn Harvest. It is smooth and full of warm spices. It always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He used to call it “orange soup.” He would ask for it every week. I still laugh at that.

Let’s get our hands busy. It is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps with me.

• Step 1: First, we tackle the butternut squash. Peel it carefully with a good peeler. Then, cut it in half from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits. (A hard-learned tip: A sturdy ice cream scoop works wonders for this messy job!).
• Step 2: Now, chop the squash into little cubes. They should be about one inch big. This helps them cook nice and fast. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect. My cubes are never all the same size. It just adds character.
• Step 3: Grab your biggest pot. Melt the butter in it over medium heat. Oh, that smell is so good. It makes the whole kitchen feel like home. Now, add your diced onion and garlic. Cook them until they look soft and shiny.
• Step 4: Toss in all your beautiful squash cubes. Give everything a good stir. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. That’s when you see little bubbles popping up. Now, put the lid on and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
• Step 5: The squash should be very soft now. A fork should slide right in. Take the pot off the heat. This is the magic step. Add the cream, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and brown sugar. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s like a hug in a bowl.
• Step 6: Time to make it silky smooth. Use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too. Just be careful with the hot soup. Blend until there are no more lumps. What’s your favorite cozy soup for a chilly day? Share below!

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Category: Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is wonderful as it is. But sometimes, it’s fun to play with your food. Here are a few ideas to mix things up.

• Sweet & Smoky: Add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika. It gives a warm, cozy campfire feeling.
• Apple Adventure: Stir in a half cup of applesauce at the end. It makes the soup even sweeter and fruitier.
• Herby Delight: Top your bowl with fresh chopped sage or thyme. It adds a lovely, fresh garden taste.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

A good soup deserves good friends. I love to serve this with a thick slice of crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping. A simple green salad on the side is nice, too. It makes the meal feel complete.

For a drink, I have two favorites. For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of crisp Chardonnay is lovely. For everyone, hot spiced apple cider is the best match. It’s like autumn in a mug. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Soup Perfect

This soup is a wonderful make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely before storing. It will keep in your fridge for about four days.

You can also freeze it for up to three months. I use old yogurt containers. They are the perfect single-serving size. My grandson loves taking them for his school lunches.

I once put hot soup in a glass container. The sudden temperature change cracked the glass. Now I always let it cool first. This small step saves a lot of mess.

Batch cooking like this saves busy weeknights. A warm, homemade meal is just a reheat away. It makes you feel prepared and cared for.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Is your soup too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. The extra liquid will evaporate. Your soup will become thicker and richer.

I remember when I first blended hot soup. I lifted the blender lid too soon. A little splash burned my finger. Now I am very careful and let it cool a bit.

Does the flavor taste a little flat? Add a tiny pinch more salt. Salt helps all the other flavors wake up. Tasting and adjusting is the cook’s superpower.

Getting the seasoning right builds your confidence. It teaches you to trust your own taste buds. Your kitchen becomes a place of happy experiments.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions Answered

Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! Just make sure your chicken broth is a gluten-free brand.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: Canned coconut milk works beautifully. It adds a lovely, subtle sweetness.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Use your biggest pot. It freezes so well for later.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A chopped apple cooked with the squash is delicious. *Fun fact: Butternut squash is technically a fruit!*

Which tip will you try first?

With Love From My Kitchen

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table. It is a hug in a bowl. I love making it as the leaves start to change.

Sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys. I would be so happy to see your creations. Your kitchen stories make my day.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Lena Morales.