Autumn Harvest Chowder
Chef Michelle McRaney, Mr. B’s Bistro, New Orleans

Makes 7 servings.

1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise
1 acorn squash, halved lengthwise
2 sweet potatoes, pierced with a fork
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
6 cups chicken stock
Kosher salt
Black pepper, freshly ground
Cooked, crumbled bacon, as garnish
Blanched, diced Yukon gold potatoes, as garnish
Blanched, diced sweet potatoes, as garnish

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange squash, cut-sides up, and sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in oven until fork tender, about 1 hour. Scoop out flesh from squash and sweet potatoes. 

In a large pot melt butter over moderate heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add roasted squash, sweet potatoes, stock, salt and pepper and cook 20 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree, being careful of the hot liquid. Transfer soup back to pot if not serving immediately, and keep warm. Adjust seasoning. Serve soup garnished with bacon and diced potatoes.

Pair With: Don Fine Sherry, Sondoman
A dry white sherry with a nutty taste. Serve very cold.