BUTTERNUT SQUASH & APPLE SOUP

It’s not too often that I rant and rave about a dish that I have eaten in a restaurant.  The entree has to be drop-your-jaw good in order for me to recommend it to another. But I am here to say, with much enthusiasm, that I have found an Eastern Shore recommendation for you. 

Market Street Inn, a tiny little restaurant with a small pub attached, was not exactly what I pictured to be “fine dining”.   When a restaurant shares the same address as a bar frequented by college aged students and those in their early thirties looking for a good time, I consider their fare to be anything but gourmet.  I spoke too soon, because I was blown away when I sat down to dinner the other night. 

I wish you could have been there to taste the most divine butternut squash and apple soup you have ever laid your eyes on.  The presentation was phenomenal.  Picture it:  A creamy white, slanted oval bowl filled to the brim with a vibrant, perfectly creamy butternut squash base.  Atop of freshly crumbled bacon lay 4 thinly sliced pieces of green apple, perfectly fanned.  And to round it out, 2 crunchy French style baguettes were placed on the side for dipping.  And that’s just the presentation, folks.  The soup itself was 58 times better.

I like most all soups, but nothing beats a full-bodied soup like the one I had that night.  Forget the broth-based chicken noodle, this soup was pureed to perfection.  It was so thick that the only way you could clear your spoon was to lick it clean or tap it on the side of your bowl.  The soup had REAL, fresh ingredients, too.  That first spoonful was a full taste of heaven.  I can’t exactly tell you what added spices they used because I was in this euphoric state and couldn’t concentrate on much other than my bursting taste buds, and on getting more.  All I know is that whatever they used worked. 

You may be saying to yourself “well, I don’t even LIKE butternut squash, so it would probably have been gross.”  If you are one of those people, come and visit me.  Give me a call.  Send me a message.  I will personally come pick you up at the airport and take you to this restaurant, just so I can change your mind about butternut squash and apple soup. 

The vitamin A from the butternut squash is often mistaken for only providing the eyes with benefits.  But vitamin A also helps maintain rosy skin, acts as an antioxidant, and aids in development and reproductive health.  Now, not all soups are created equally.  Many cream based soups contain wonderful ingredients that aid the body.  Many, however, also contain high amounts of full fat cream and butter.  These are okay to indulge in every once in a while.  Just try not to make it a daily habit.