As fall approaches, hard-shell or winter squash in various colors, shapes, and sizes is a frequent sight in the Mediterranean. Often the squashes grow so large, they're sold by the slice.
Winter squash is ideal for soups because it has a naturally creamy texture when pureed with stock.
Because winter squash is mild, it's a good idea to enhance the flavor with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, as well as nuts and seeds, all of which evoke images of fall and winter. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put the almonds on a pie plate or small sheet pan and toast for 3 minutes. Add the sesame seeds, keeping them separate from the almonds, and toast for 3 minutes longer. Add the hazelnuts, also keeping them separate, and toast for 11 minutes more, or until the almonds and hazelnuts are browned but not too dark and the sesame seeds are golden.