Harvest Time Soup (SCD, Paleo, GAPS)

I don't like fall! There I said it. Fall just means that winter is right around the corner, and it's no secret that I am not a winter lover. Never will be. Yet I live in Calgary. It's ironic I know.
This year we are actually being spoiled and it is still quite warm (I probably jinxed us just writing this) and I have been trying to take as much advantage of this as possible!
Speaking of which, did I mention I ran a half marathon last weekend. Yep I did. And by some miracle it was the fastest one I have ever done. And I came in 4th. Take that residency!
Despite my hate for the colder weather the fruits and vegetables that are around this time of year are some of my favorites. Apples, squash, carrots, pears, green beans... oh yum
And as the weather cools off I begin craving warm comfort type foods, like the soup I am about to share with you. It's a good one I promise. Even according to the the non-paleo eaters in my family.

Harvest Time Soup (SCD, Paleo, GAPS) 

Ingredients

2 lbs squash of your choice (I like butternut or buttercup)  2 lbs carrots2 ripe pears6-8 cups filtered water or homemade chicken broth (depends on how thick you want your soup) 1.5 TBSP cinnamon1 TSP sea salt1 TBSP organic vanilla 4 TBSP grassfed butter or coconut oil Optional: 1 can coconut milk/ 1 package of coconut cream 

Directions

1. Peel and chop your squash into cubes2. Place squash and water/ broth in a large pot and place on medium heat on the stove. Let it cook3. While the squash is cooking, peel carrots, remove ends and then add to the pot4. Add cinnamon, sea salt and vanilla to your soup and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes5. Chop pears so seeds are removed (you can leave the skin on) and add to pot6. * If using coconut milk/ coconut cream add this now7. Allow soup to cook until carrots and squash are tender (usually another 15-20 minutes)8. Once squash and carrots are soft add the grassfed butter or coconut oil9. Allow soup to cool somewhat (I usually wait about 30 minutes)10. Use your immersion blender and blend soup so that all the chunks are removed (I blend it right in the pot) 11. Serve and enjoy! 
This recipe yields a large pot of soup and I usually put some aside to freeze right away. 


The pictures really don't do this one justice I am afraid. You will just have to trust me. 
Do you have any favorite soup recipes? I would love for you to share them!
Are you loving the fruits and vegetables that are around this time of year?
And as always feel free to email me with any questions or to leave feedback!