Martin’s Family Fruit Farm — Butternut Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
• 2 medium leeks (white portion only), sliced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 6 cups)
• 2 cans (141/2 ounces each) chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup half–and–half cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted