Soup du Jour (December 2nd "Final Exam")

The soup Dick Jordan served at today's "Final Exam" was a variation on the New Your Times recipe "Pumpkin or Winter Squash Soup." (Click here to view and print the recipe). Dick made a double batch using a two-to-one combination of Sugar Pie Pumpkin and Butternut Squash, fresh sage (rosemary was used in making the croutons), vegetable stock (chicken stock would probably make a richer soup), and a little less cream than the recipe calls for. To make the flavors a bit more complex, he also added ground curry and cumin to taste. The soup can be served chilled or hot.

The croutons were made from a ciabatta-style bread cut into pieces, tossed with olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, salt and pepper, spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and toasted at 375 degrees in the oven until slightly browned and crisped (about 15 minutes).