Butternut Squash Soup with Pears & Bacon

I've found this soup recipe relatively easy, South Beach/low carb friendly, filling as a main dish or as a starter, and absolutely YUMMY! I hope you enjoy it as well.

It only takes about 40 minutes to cook, but the prep time is what makes it longer. If you're planning to have it ready with other dishes, my best advice would be to chop your vegetables before you start to cook it. You'll feel less pressure to work quickly, and your bacon won't burn like mine did the first time! :)

Butternut Squash Soup
makes about 2 quarts

Ingredients:
1 large, or 2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 pears, peeled and chopped
1-2 stems celery, chopped
6 slices bacon (or more for taste)
29 ounces chicken stock (2, 14.5 oz cans)
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup Half & Half (seems optional)
Fresh thyme to garnish each bowl (optional)

In stock pot fry bacon strips til crispy. Remove bacon and place on plate with paper towel to absorb some of the grease. Remove all but about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pot (from the bacon). In the remaining grease, saute' onions until slightly brown and translucent. When onions are sauteed, add squash, pears, celery, and chicken stock to pot and stir together gently. Bring to boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 30 minutes, or until vegetables are very tender to fork. When contents are soft, turn off heat, cool slightly, then use blender to gradually puree' ingredients to soup consistency. Scoop only about half a blender full at a time, and when blended, pour into holding container until all of the soup is blended. (TIP: hold lid on tight when blending hot food because the heat and steam can cause the lid to pop off!)

When ingredients are blended return to pot and add seasonings and bacon and simmer 10 more minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add half & half, if desired, and serve, garnished with fresh sprig of thyme. If too sweet, add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy! :)