Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup

butter

3/4 cup

brown sugar

1 tsp

cinnamon

1 tsp

ginger (freshly grated is best!)

1 tsp

nutmeg

1/2 tsp

cloves

Salt and pepper ( to taste)

1 1/2 cups

chicken stock

1/2 cup

apple cider

8 cups

butternut squash (cut into 1 inch cubes (about 2 lbs butternut squash))

carrots (sliced)

1 cup

heavy cream

croutons (optional)

roasted or candied chopped pecans (optional)