butternut squash and apple soup

i've found a new cache of online recipes. it's from pcc natural markets in seattle, "the largest consumer-owned natural food co-operative in the United States." they are dedicated to offering all natural, organic, sustainably produced, and when possible, local products, and when i can't get to the farmers market they are the next best thing. i was poking around on their website recently and came across the recipes section. it's enormous and not entirely friendly to use-- there's no option to search by an ingredient, for example. however, while i don't love the search function, their butternut squash and apple soup recipe has reserved them a spot on my list of go-to sites for finding fun ways to make use of the ubiquitous and impatient pile of produce on our kitchen table.

click here for the recipe--butternut squash and apple soup

i followed the suggestion to roast the squash first, and was a little shy with the coconut milk as i was worried about the flavor going in the direction of a piña colada. this soup was absolutely stunning-- beautiful, fragrant, and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the apples and just a touch of tingly spice from the fresh ginger. and, bonus, it's a soup that successfully uses water instead of stock which is good because i'm almost out. we had it with cider-brined pork chops simmered in an apple-mustard cream sauce, and a smashed potato and bacon hash. perfection.

*UPDATE: they were clearly in the process of making changes, because a couple of weeks after this post the PCC markets recipe section had been completely revamped. nice!!