Butternut Squash Soup with Pickled Cranberry and Vanilla Oil

Step 1

For the butternut squash soup: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Cut the squash in half and take out the seeds. Place on a sheet pan skin-side up and roast until soft, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool.

Step 3

Combine the milk, cream, juice, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and some salt in a large pot over high heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.

Step 4

Scoop the pulp out of the squash and add it to the liquid. Stir well, bring back to a simmer and then turn off. In small batches, add the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, or use an immersion blender and blend fully.

Step 5

For the vanilla oil: Split the vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds with a paring knife and reserve.

Step 6

Place the vanilla pods and beans in a small saucepan with the oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then turn off the heat. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Strain before serving.

Step 7

For the pickled cranberries: Place the cranberries in a heatproof bowl. Bring the cranberry juice and vinegar to a simmer in a small saucepan. Pour the liquid over the cranberries and cool to room temperature.

Step 8

Garnish each serving of soup with 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla oil and a 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cranberries.