Butternut Squash Soup with Apple-Bacon Relish and Toasted Butternut Squash Seeds

Butternut squash is delicious, and luckily it pairs really well with bacon. For added smoky notes, I use bacon stock at the restaurant, but you can use any of the liquids noted below. I love contrast of texture, and this smooth, velvety soup benefits from butternut squash seeds and croutons that are toasted in butter to add a nice nutty crunch and the relish that adds sweetness and a touch of acid to cut through the rich flavor.