Step 1

Stir together the butternut squash, water, onions, parsnips, stock, apple, rosemary sprig, salt and pepper in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until the vegetables are tender, about 6 hours. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig.

Step 2

Transfer half of the squash mixture to a blender. Remove the center piece of the blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure the blender lid on the blender. Place a clean towel over the opening in the blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat the procedure with the remaining squash mixture. Stir in the heavy cream. Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot.