Decadently Delicious Smoked Butternut Squash Soup

Method1) Prep. Cut the butternut squash in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds.2) Fire up. Prepare a grill for 2-zone cooking. On a charcoal grill, place a chimney full of lit charcoal briquets to one side of the grill's charcoal grate in order to create direct and an indirect cooking zones. You want one side scorching hot and the other side at about 325°F. Add 2 to 3 chunks of your favorite smoking wood to the charcoal for flavor. On a gas grill, adjust the temperature knobs so that one half of the grill is as hot as possible and the other half is approximately 325°F. Add a wood chip filled smoker box or smoking pouch to the gas grill according to manufacturer’s instructions for flavor.3) Lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the cool side of the grill, and place the two halves of butternut squash cut side up on the foil. The foil will help keep the squash from sticking to the grill as it roasts.4) Add one tablespoon butter and a sage leaf to each half’s seed cavity.5) Cook. Cover the grill and allow the butternut squash to roast until the flesh is fork tender, approximately 1 1/2 hours.6) Blend the soup. Carefully remove the butternut squash halves from the grill, making sure not to spill the butter from the cavity.7) Pour the liquid and sage leaves from the cavities into a blender or food processor. Scoop the flesh from the skin and add to the blender or food processor along with the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.8) Serve. Divide the smoked butternut squash soup between 4 bowls. Top with sour cream and pepitas or pumpkin seeds (if using). Serve immediately.