BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE

By Ed Burks

6 Tbsp. butter

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves (large), minced

1 inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and minced

2.5 lbs. butternut squash chunks, peeled and seeded

2 tart apples, peeled, cored and chopped

juice of ½ large lemon

1 cup carrot juice

salt and black pepper to taste

1 large pinch cinnamon

1 large pinch nutmeg

1 cup Harbinger Winery Viognier

2 – 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock

2 cups heavy cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Melt butter in roasting pan that is large enough to hold the onion, garlic, ginger, squash, apples, lemon juice and carrot juice. Stir to combine ingredients. Place in oven to slowly roast and lightly caramelize the vegetables. Stir occasionally.

When vegetables have softened and lightly caramelized, remove from oven and place in a stockpot. Add seasonings, wine, and stock. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally for about 1 hour.

In the stockpot, puree the soup with a hand or stick blender until very smooth. It may be pureed in a blender or food processor in batches.

Add heavy cream to achieve a rich and thick bisque texture. Puree again with hand blender until smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings.

At this point the bisque may be passed through a conical strainer to achieve a super smooth texture.

Ladle bisque into bowls and garnish with sautéed mushrooms or toasted croutons.

*Alternate cooking method: Omit roasting the vegetables by adding all ingredients including stock to stockpot. Simmer until squash cubes are tender and proceed as above.

HARBINGER VEGETARIAN CHILI

HARBINGER VEGETARIAN CHILI

By Ed Burks

1 can (13 ¾ oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (18 ¾ oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (18 ¾ oz.) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (29 oz.) crushed tomatoes with juice

1 can (18 ¾ oz.) whole kernel corn, drained

2 medium onions, chopped

2 small green bell peppers, chopped

2 small red bell peppers, chopped

3 zucchini, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

5 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cans (5 oz.) roasted green chilies

1 jalapeno, chopped (depending on how much heat you want can add more)

2 Tbsp. best quality chili powder

2 ½ tsp. cumin

2 tsp. black pepper

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 ½ Tbsp. dried oregano

1 ½ Tbsp. dried basil

2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp. Mr. Big Stuff Bar-B-Q Bliss Rub

4 – 6 cups stock, vegetable or chicken

Sauté the onion, bell pepper, red bell pepper, zucchini, and celery in olive oil for about 8 minutes.

In a stockpot, combine black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, corn, jalapeno, and chilies with sautéed mixture.

Season with garlic, chili powder, cumin, parsley, black pepper, oregano, basil, cilantro, Mr. Big Stuff Bar-B-Q Bliss Rub, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.

Cook at a simmer for about 1 – 2 hours.

Serve with tortillas, cornbread, rice, or French bread.