S.P.A.C.L.E. Soup

We got this soup recipe from allrecipes.com, but we have altered it a little. Originally, Sean named it "spackle" soup:

Sweet Potato, Apple, Carrot, LEntil

but I don't know that we've ever used the lentils. The first time I made it, I didn't know what lentils looked like, and I grabbed our barley by mistake. It tasted great.

(the original name of the soup is Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple and Red Lentil Soup...so despite our nickname, it really is a delicious fall/winter soup)

S.P.A.C.L.E. Soup

1/2 stick of butter
4 cups vegetable broth
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 apples, cored and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup lentils, barley or cooked white beans
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Place chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and onion in the pot. Stir and cook for 10 minutes.

Add vegetable broth, spices and lentils/barley/beans. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (until vegetables are soft).

Puree with a hand blender.*

Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, yogurt, croutons, crackers

* if you don't have a hand blender, use a regular blender which will have to be done in batches, or something else that can puree.