Roasted honeynut squash apple soup, lox and bagels and compound butter

I have been having so much fun using Saltverk’s sea salt. Pictured is a creamy and delicious Fall soup using honeynut squash and apples. Honeynut squash is like butternut but smaller, sweeter and the color is more vivid. Its delicious and the soup is wonderful, it comes together easily and quickly and requires only a little time standing over the stove, your oven does most of the work. The soup is pureed and finished with a dollop of sour cream and some black lava sea salt, perfect for Halloween.

Roasted Honeynut Squash Apple Soup

3 Honeynut squash peeled, seeds removed and cut into pieces

2-3 apples (depending on size) skin on, cored and quartered

1/2 yellow onion peeled and quartered

1 tsp Saltverk Arctic thyme sea salt or 1 tsp sea salt and either 2 fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkling of dried thyme

2 cups broth or water (chicken or vegetable both work)

1/4 c heavy cream (for vegan option coconut milk works well)

1 tbs butter

1-2 tbs sour cream to garnish

salt and pepper to taste

sprinkle black lava salt on top for dramatic effect and delicious flavor as well!

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash, apples and onions on parchment lined sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with the thyme salt (or whatever salt you want to use) and pepper. Roast stirring occasionally until the vegetables and fruit just start to caramelize (approximately 30 minutes). Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Puree in blender or food processor until smooth (if you need to add a little water or broth if too thick its fine. Transfer to pot and add the broth or water, butter and cream. Heat to desired serving temperature. Add a dollop of sour cream and finishing salt and enjoy.

The Birch Smoked Sea Salt was wonderful on a bagel with herbed cream cheese (Fresh dill and chives), smoked salmon, French breakfast radish, pickled red onion and the birch smoked sea salt sprinkled on top along with more dill and chives. The smoked salt and smoked salmon with the herby cream cheese and vegetables was delicious and the salt a perfect compliment.

Years ago I created a recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey using a flavorful compound butter that is inserted under the skin and rubbed on the skin as well. I am reprising this recipe using the Arctic Thyme Sea Salt, its absolutely delicious with floral and herbal notes.

Compound Butter

8 oz unsalted butter softened

1-2 garlic cloves (depending on size and personal taste)

zest of 1 lemon

3 sprigs thyme (leaves removed)

3 fresh sage leaves, chopped

2 tsp Arctic Thyme sea salt (or any flaky sea salt) divided

Smash the garlic cloves with 1/2 tsp of the salt either in mortar and pestle or using a chefs knife on a cutting board (you want the garlic to be a paste). Mix the soft butter with garlic paste, lemon zest, thyme leaves, sage and remaining 1 1/2 tsp salt. Mix to combine, roll into a log, wrap in plastic wrap and parchment paper and store in refrigerator until ready to use. It’s delicious on turkey or chicken or on roasted vegetables. I roasted Brussels sprouts, potatoes, onions and carrots.