1½ teaspoons unsalted butter
1¼ cups chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion (about 1/2 large onion)
1 tablespoon smashed garlic
1 large Braeburn apple, peeled, cored and cubed
1 1/4 pounds peeled and cubed Butternut squash
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus pinch
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup low-fat evaporated milk
1/4 cup crème fraîche, for garnish
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic and apple; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add squash and next 4 ingredients; stir 30 seconds or until well-combined. Add broth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 20 minutes or until squash and vegetables are tender.
Place half of squash mixture in blender with 1/4 cup evaporated milk. Remove center of blender lid (to let steam escape); secure lid. Place clean towel over opening to avoid splatters; blend until smooth. Pour into bowl. Repeat with remaining squash and evaporated milk.
Spoon soup into bowls. Swirl in 3/4 teaspoon crème fraîche, if desired. Serve immediately.
Makes 4-6 servings, depending on size of bowl.
--Adapted from Health Magazine