Your little ones will love this slightly sweet soup made with apple and maple syrup. Packed with nutrition, this soup is easy to make, and a perfect meal for those cold winter nights.

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 celery rib, cleaned and diced

1 apple, peeled and chopped

1 pkg. pre-cut butternut squash (or one squash, cubed)

4 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp. dried sage

1 tbsp. maple syrup

1 cup nonfat milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a large pot, sauté onion, celery, apple, and butternut squash until fragrant and slightly soft.
• Add 3 cups chicken stock, sage, and maple syrup and simmer on low for approximately 10-15 minutes until vegetables are very soft.
• Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth.
• Stir in milk and salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm in bowls and garnish with crunchy croutons and fresh sage (optional).