GINGERED ACORN SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• Cut the acorn squash in half, crosswise.
• Scoop out seeds and discard.
• Place cut side down in 9 x13 baking pans (you will need two) and add about one inch of water.
• Bake for an hour.
• Remove from pans and set aside to cool.
• If the squash are rather small, it might take as many as five squash to make the required six pounds.
• Simply quarter some of the smaller squash to fit the baking pans.
• Warm the oil and crushed pepper in a five-quart saucepan, over medium-high heat for one minute.
• Add the garlic, onion, and ginger.
• Cook for three minutes, add potatoes and cook mixture, stirring frequently for five minutes or until the potatoes soften.
• Add boiling broth and reduce heat to medium low.
• Scoop cooked squash (about eight cups) into a large bowl and mash lightly before adding to the pot.
• Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove soup to food processor in batches, adding some soymilk to each batch.
• Return the purée to the soup pot.
• Place miso in a small bowl, add the sherry, and blend with a fork or small whisk.
• Add to the soup with the garlic, ginger, and nutmeg.
• Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Do not boil.
• (Soup may be thinned with additional broth.) Sprinkle with a light dusting of nutmeg.
• Enjoy!
• Yield: 8 servings.