My Quest for a Healthier Life: Yam and Apple Soup

I made a soup last night that sounded good, looked good, and smelled delicious. Funny thing is I can't decide what I really think. I've been craving Butternut Squash soup (I had a good recipe two years ago and lost it!), but I did not want to actually mess with preparing the squash. I remember a recipe that had me buy frozen squash, but I could never find it in the store. I did however find frozen yams. So, I thought I would try to make a soup out of that.

Creamy and sweet with a touch of cinnamon. I liked it, but I'm not used to my soups being sweet. I think that is what is throwing me off. My husband liked the flavor, but he prefers chunky soups to pureed soups. Tonight I am going to serve it at a dinner party so I can get more input on whether this was a success or not. I love friends who are willing to be my guinea pigs! Perhaps I should call them "Beta Tasters"? When you give your novel/manuscript to someone you trust to read, review and critique you call them beta readers, so it makes sense to have beta tasters too. Doesn't it?

Yam and Apple Soup

* 1--32 ounce package frozen yam patties
* 1 stalk celery, diced
* handful baby carrots, diced
* 2 green onions (what do you call these?)
* 1 red delicious apple, peeled and sliced
* 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* dash of nutmeg
* 2 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1--12 ounce can fat free evaporated milk (would be even better with heavy cream, but I was trying to lighten it up)
* 1 to 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)

1. I placed the frozen yams in a pot and added just enough water to cover them. Actually, they were not completely covered, so add enough water to keep them from sticking the the pan (guessing about 2 cups water). I also added the celery, carrots, green onion, and apple and brought it to a boil. Turn down to medium heat and cook until the vegetables are tender and the yams are thawed and getting mushy--about 10 minutes.

2. Place the mixture into a blender and puree. I had to do this in 2 stages. Return to the pot and add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dash of nutmeg, lemon juice and evaporated milk. Warm through, stirring occasionally. Salt to taste and serve.