Winter Squash and Apple Chowder - Fiery Foods & Barbecue Central

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 pounds 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 quart chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 2 cups diced chicken (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons applejack or Calvados (optional)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons cider vinegar ( optional )
• Red chile dusted croutons ( recipe below )