Winter Squash and Apple Chowder with Red Chile–Dusted Croutons - Burn Blog

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 lb Hubbard or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tart green apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green New Mexico chiles, which have been roasted and peeled
• 1 qt chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp grated lemon peel
• 2 cups diced chicken (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp applejack or Calvados (optional)
• 1-2 tsp cider vinegar (optional)
• 3 slices white bread, crusts trimmed, cut in 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp margarine
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ground red New Mexico chile
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin