1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Arrange squash halves, cut sides down, in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, 40 minutes or until tender. Scoop flesh from squash; discard skin.

2. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add carrot, onion, and ginger. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add squash flesh, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup (or, transfer to a blender). Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Toasted Squash Seeds:

Rinse seeds and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix seeds with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil. Spread seeds in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Roast in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until toasted, stirring once.

Microwave:

Pierce squash in 3 places with a sharp knife. Microwave for 7 minutes or until tender. When cool enough to handle slice squash in halve and remove seeds. Reserve some of the seeds for garnish, if desired. Scoop flesh from squash halves and set aside. Discard skins.