Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Goat Cheese | Mara Hoffman Sale

This soup was so good.  I always love butternut squash soup but the addition of bacon in this one took it to a whole new level.   I always buy the pre-cut butternut squash it saves so much time.  This can totally be made ahead and reheated before dinner.   The creamy goat cheese paired with the crispy bacon and the fresh chives are the perfect combo on top.  

Enjoy!

|| B U T T E R N U T   S Q U A S H   S O U P ||

via Damn Delicious (her recipes are amazing)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut in 1-inch chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE SOUP

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock, or more, to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
2. Place butternut squash, onion, bell pepper and bacon in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil and garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
3. Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until butternut squash is tender, stirring at halftime.*
4. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butternut squash mixture and thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in chicken stock and puree with an immersion blender.
6. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-10 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken stock as needed until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with bacon, goat cheese and chives, if desired.

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I also wanted to mention Mara Hoffman is having a major sale right now!

Many items are now 60% off.

Tunic Dress also HERE on sale

This is one of my favorite style mara dresses.  Such a great easy casual dress. It runs TTS, I am wearing a small. 

It also comes in this cute blue print.

Zebra Mara

I also own this one.  You know I love some animal print.   It is great for Summer but also cute paired with a cardigan for Fall. 

Scroll though to see some other Mara Hoffman on major sale.

Obsessions

A few things I am loving lately.

Blouse

I love the color and cut of this blouse.

One Piece

I saw this yesterday in Everything but Water.  It is so gorgeous and reminds me of the Kiini line but way less.

Off Shoulder Blouse

Just ordered this beauty for myself.  I am a sucker for white and off shoulder.  I also love the lace detail.  It also comes in red and black.

Mara Hoffman Cover-Up

I love this cover-up, especially the print.  I am hoping it goes on sale before my vacation.

Ruffle Tee

Under $50 and comes in several colors.

Statement Earrings

These come in 3 colors.  Such a fun statement earring.

MK Wedges

I love a nude wedge, they go with everything and make your legs look so long.

Ruffle Tee

This is only $35.  Also comes in navy.

Maxi Dress

I love the colors in this maxi.  This would be perfect for a wedding and it is under $100.

Embroidered Clutch

TB Purse

I adore everything about this bag.  From the color to the style.

Sunglasses

I just bought these last weekend. They are only $12 and super cute.

Anna Beck Ring

Love, love, love.  I am a huge fan of all Anna Beck jewelry.  

PJ Set

Super cute pj's.  I like the Nordstrom line because they are not crazy expensive and they are super soft.

RM Purse

This is now 50% off!  I have this same purse in another color version from last year and love it.  You can carry it as a clutch or cross body.  There are several colors on sale right now.

DV Sneakers

I am loving these DV sneakers.  Such a cute casual sneaker, which I am now a huge fan.  They come in several color options but I am partial to the blush and taupe.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Grateful- exactly how I feel after my post Friday.  You guys blew me away with your comments, emails, texts and messages after my post Friday.  I was ready to share but at the same time I was apprehensive.  You ladies lifted me up, encouraged me, gave me hope, love and inspired me.  I honestly can't thank you enough.  This is a difficult and dark journey I have been on and I know it will continue to be trying but your kind words and encouragement meant so much to me. 

Thank You from the bottom of my heart, ya'll are amazing. 

xoxo

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Thursday night I headed out to an event at Zero George for The Hilliard Studio Method a fitness studio based out of Charlotte.  Next time I am home I am definitely gonna try and fit a class in.  The ladies that do this workout have incredible figures!  We are trying to convince them to open a studio here in Charleston! 

What I wore:

Dress also HERE and HERE | Booties | Earrings | Watch | Purse

I am wearing a small in the dress, it runs TTS.

After the event we stayed for a drink and a nibble at the bar.  

They make the best drinks at Zero George.  I went with my old trusty,  the Dirty martini,  but they have so many fun and innovative ones to choose from.

I always love their cheese platter, although I have really never met a cheese plate I didn't like.

They only make a certain amount of burgers each night and we got lucky they had one left so we all split it.  Let me tell you, it was hands down the best burger I have ever had.  I am not even a huge burger person but I was drooling after this one.

Friday I finally tested out my new Vitamix and loved her.  I can tell I am going to be using her often. 

I bought this copper version

I made this smoothie: coconut water, 1 banana, 2 handfuls spinach, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, and a scoop of Greek Yogurt.  I am working on a post I will run soon with all my favorite smoothie recipes. 

Loving this floral tee.  I am all about some florals.

Floral Tee

Friday was lunch at Butcher and Bee, easily one of my favorite lunch spots. 

I finally tried their Veggie burger that was just written up in Bon Appetit.  It was sooooo good!

Friday night was super low key the kids and I watched Norm of The North.  Saturday was a quick workout and then we worked on cleaning out and boxing up clothes.  Follow me @shopsnoopnattynatcloset I will be doing a blog sale this week with some of my clothes.  

I am a huge fan of this workout top that can be worn tied or not tied.  It is perfect for barre and yoga.

I am wearing a size 6 in both the tank and leggings.

Tank | Leggings

After that we hit up the mall to escape the rain.  

That afternoon I met a friend for a glass of wine at The Dewbury.  Thank goodness for my girlfriends who take care of me on the weekends!

What I wore:

Blouse (buy one get one 50% off) | Necklace | Jeans | Pumps

Fries + Aioli:) Clearly I didn't watch what I ate this weekend.  Back on the train today.

Sunday it poured rain all day so we headed to the Aquarium.

That display is all legos- I mean how amazing.

Sterling is shark obsessed so he was in heaven.

Currently crushing on statement Earrings.

ONE | TWO | THREE

FOUR | FIVE | SIX

Have a wonderful start to your week.

Behind Closed Doors.

With the start of the New Year I wanted to share something very personal.  2016 was a year filled with many blessings but it has also been a difficult year.  You never know the battles that people are dealing with and this is something I have been dealing with both privately and with my close friends and family.  I have sat down to write this post several times but decided I ultimately wanted to get through the holidays with as much normalcy as possible.  I also just wasn't ready to share this publicly. 

I know many of you have emailed me and left comments asking about Matt.  The truth is we separated several months ago as I am sure many of you suspected.   This is not something that we took lightly or that was a rash decision. We tried and fought for our marriage especially for the sake of the kids but at the end of the day neither of us were happy.  Sometimes you can love someone but you just aren't a good fit.   Matt and I still remain close and dedicated to being the best parents possible for Sterling and Frances Moon.  We want this transition to be as smooth as possible.

As many of you know a separation is so difficult.   My heart goes out to any of you who have gone through such a difficult time.  I trust God in all aspects of my life and trust in His plan for me during this new chapter.  

 I am happy for the New Year and a fresh start.   I am also thankful for all the love and support you guys give me.  Thank you for being there for me and your devotion for my blog and respect for my family during this difficult time.