Thanksgiving Leftovers

 With just a little over a week left before the biggest foodie holiday of the year, I hope you are putting the final touches on your menu. I can almost smell the turkey roasting and taste the pumpkin pie. It is officially time to get excited.

With the big meal planned, maybe it is time we start to look past Thanksgiving itself, and begin to brainstorm what we are going to do with all those leftovers. 

Sure there will be turkey sandwiches and other dishes made from what was cooked and enjoyed. But what about leftover ingredients? The stuff you bought too much of and didn't use? This year I decided to focus on those for leftover inspiration.

This copycat soup recipe comes from a dish Panera customers look forward to every fall. Their Autumn Squash Soup is filled with flavor and a menu favorite. 

If you find yourself with an extra butternut squash laying around after all the holiday guests go home, or maybe you need to feed a few lingering ones, this tasty soup would be the perfect way to use it up.

Or if you are serving a multiple course Thanksgiving meal, this could also be a great addition to your menu as a first course. 

Squash soup is a thick, stick to your ribs meals perfect for a cold night. If you are looking for a thinner soup, simply add a little extra broth and/or cream. I garnished with crunchy croutons, but pumpkin seeds or other nuts would be delicious too. 

I hope you and yours have a very Happy Thanksgiving, filled with those you love most, sharing a tasty meal and making memories to last a lifetime. 

Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup

1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

2 apples, peeled and chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree

3 TBS vegetable oil

3 cups chicken broth, more if desired

1/2 cup heavy cream, more if desired

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 TBS brown sugar

Salt and pepper 

Preheat oven to 425. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place squash on one baking sheet and onions and carrots on the other. Mix 1 TBS oil with carrots and onions and 2 TBS over squash. Roast for 20-30 minutes until fork tender. While veggies cook, mix apples and garlic with 2 TBS water in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly until tender. Set aside. When vegetables are cooked, add to pot. Add chicken broth and mix well. Using an immersion blender, puree mixture until smooth. Place pot over medium heat. Add cream, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar and pumpkin. Stir well. Cook about 15 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, add extra broth or cream to desired consistency.