Carrot Ginger Soup

This flavorful soup can be made with any kind of carrot with its rich color and fragrant bouquet of spices.

Heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat, add 2 shallots and 1 clove garlic, finely minced. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger and 1/4 tsp each turmeric, ground cumin and cinnamon. Add 3 cups sliced Cook's Custom Blend carrots, 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash and cover with water. Simmer for 45 minutes until carrots and squash are softened then puree in a blender with 1 cup yogurt. Serve hot or chilled.

-Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of From the Cook's Garden cookbook