Butternut Squash Soup w/Cinnamon Croutons

I had never eaten butternut squash until yesterday afternoon. My friend had given me one almost two months ago and mentioned that she made pies with hers, but I had done nothing but let it sit. After trying some for lunch at my mother-in-law's house, I decided I really liked it. She shared with me a recipe for Butternut Squash Soup which was the inspiration for what transpired for our dinner last night. It was definately good enough to share and you might be very surprised how much you like it! And it's super EASY!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP W/CINNAMON CROUTONS

4 C. chicken stock
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 med. butternut squash
4 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 C. half n' half
olive oil
salt and pepper
1/2 a loaf of bread, cubed
2-3 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar
2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil

1. Cut squash into large chunks, discarding the seeded parts. Place in microwave safe dish with a little water in the bottom to steam. Cover with plastic wrap, cutting vents to let the steam out. Cook in microwave for 20 minutes. If you'd like, this can be done in the oven as well, it just takes a bit longer. Squash is done when it is soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.

2. While squash is cooking, saute garlic and onion in a drizzle of olive oil and 4 Tbsp of butter. Cook until clear, then add flour. Cook a few more minutes and add chicken stock to pan. Bring to boil and set aside.

3. Cube bread and toss in a bowl with olive oil or melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Place on cookie sheet and set aside.

4. When squash is cooked, remove the skin and place in blender or food processor. Add chicken stock and onion mixture. Blend until mixture is very smooth. It might be a bit thicker than you want at this point but that's okay.

5. Return blended soup to the pan, add half n' half then reheat. While soup sits, toast the croutons under the broiler, tossing and turning a few times until they are crunchy on the outside but still soft on the inside.

6. Serve hot soup with croutons on top. The croutons make the soup!