The Perfect Winter Treat

Here is a winter treat that will warm the soul and the body on a cold day.  This soup was part of a winning entry for a friendly cooking competition and this grilled cheese is a family favorite.  I am really a fan of this rustic sour dough I get a local bakery, but any rustic loaf will work.  Enjoy!

Curried Butternut Squash & Mango Soup

By Ted Slee

Servings: 8-10

Prep: 10-15 mins

Cooking: 30 mins

Ingredients

2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium sized butternut squash (peeled, seeded & cubed)
1 large yellow onion (chopped)
2 green mangos (peeled, seeded and chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
2 inches of ginger (grated)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tsp red curry paste

½ tsp yellow curry powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp red pepper flakes (or harissa paste)
1 can coconut milk (well shaken)
1 can water (or more to cover all ingredients

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Prep

Heat the olive oil in a medium stock pot over medium heat until oil is shimmering.  Add the onion and saute until translucent.  Stir as you add the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about a minute.  At this point add the butternut squash, carrot, mango and and gently stir until contents are coated with oil.  After about a minute add the red curry paste, yellow curry, cumin, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric and red pepper flakes.  Continue to occasionally stir until spices are mixed.  Add the coconut milk and water, cover and bring to a boil.  Then reduce heat and simmer for roughly 30 minutes.  Let soup cool for five minutes then puree in manageable batches until silky smooth in a blender (be careful of steam).

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Pepper Jelly Grilled Cheese

By Ted Slee

Servings: 4

Prep: 5-10 mins

Cooking: 5-10 mins

Ingredients

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Rustic Sour Dough Bread

Butter

Pepper Jelly

Prep

Slice bread into 1/2” slices and spread pepper jelly liberally on inside.  Spread ¼” thick of cheese on pepper jelly.  Grill in a hot pan with butter until golden brown and cheese is melted.  Cut in half and serve.