Creamy Chestnut Soup

Start to finish: 1 hour | Impresses: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 strips thick-cut bacon
2 carrots, diced
2 ribs of celery, diced
½ onion (white or yellow), diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1 cup roasted chestnuts (about 20 chestnuts), pre-roasted and chopped
½ butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (or about 2 cups cubed)
½ cup half and half
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon Chives (for garnish)
½ cup crème fraîche (for garnish)

METHOD

Heat oven to 400 F, and spread butternut squash in a single layer. Roast 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside to cool, then carefully transfer bacon drippings to a Dutch oven or large cooking pot. Add diced carrots, celery and onion, and cook until aromatic and translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more, then pour in the low-sodium stock. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add chestnuts and butternut squash; then simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Uncover and remove from heat. Slowly stir in half and half and tarragon. Then, work in batches to blend to a smooth consistency. Or, use an immersion blender.
Crumble the cooked bacon. To serve, garnish each bowl with bacon bits, chopped chives and a drizzle of crème fraîche