sunshine came softly

Butternut Squash and Bacon Soup

This has got to be the tastiest soup I've made/eaten evverrrr. I have completely made this recipe up, so feel free to tweak it as you see fit. 

You will need:

1 butternut squash

1 onion

1 potato

1 clove of garlic

3 rashers of bacon

1 stock cube

olive oil

First, peel your butternut squash. Then, chop of the top and bottom ends and cut down the middle (longways). You need to then scoop out the seeds. 

Once you've taken all the seeds out, chop the squash into cubes. Cover with a little olive oil and rock salt, and roast in the oven for about 40 minutes. 

Note: you don't have to roast the butternut squash but it takes a lot nicer if you do. You can substitute olive oil for fry-light if you wish, or don't use oil at all. 

While your butternut squash is in the oven, you should chop your onion and bacon. You can use as many or as few bacon rashers as you like, I usually use about 3. I've used unsmoked bacon but I guess smoked would give even better flavour. 

Fry the onion and bacon together.

When your butternut squash is done, take it out of the oven and add it to the onion and bacon. Peel and cube a potato and add it, as well as your garlic. If you are lazy, like me, use garlic puree instead of 'real' garlic. 

You don't have to use a potato but it helps to thicken it. 

When everything is in together, cover with water. This will give you a moderately thick soup. If you would like it more liquidy, add more water. Add a stock cube if you wish. 

If you haven't added a potato, you wont need as much water.

Bring to the boil and leave to simmer for about half an hour or longer. Take off the heat, leave to cool slightly before blending with a hand blender. I like this particular soup nice and smooth, with no chunks. 

Serve with a little cream/crème fraiche and enjoy!

Have you made this soup? What did you think?

bookworm #5

The Brightest Star In The Sky by Marian Keyes

As you all know I am a big Marian Keyes fan - I always turn to her books when I feel in need of a pick-me-up or a giggle. They are easy to read, always have a good storyline and likeable characters. I've posted before about other books I've read by her here. 

The Brightest Star In The Sky didn't disappoint. The book centres on the residents of 66 Star Street, told largely from the position of a mysterious third party. We're not told who or what this is right until the end, but it adds mystery and suspense to an already jam-packed storyline. The story tells of the lives and relationships of Lydia, Katie, Fionn, Matt and Maeve among others, providing laughs, gossip, heartbreak and secrets.

This wasn't my favourite Marian Keyes book, but true to form kept me entertained for a good... month. I am a slow reader! I blame the book; it's so heavy I think it took more energy to read so I kept falling asleep too quickly. Ahem. 

Next up... The Hunger Games!!! Bought these ages ago and am so excited to finally get stuck in. Good timing really, what with two weeks off work (sorry, won't rub it in any more!).

Have you read The Brightest Star In The Sky? What did you think?