apple squash soup (can be crock potted)

1 butternut squash peeled and seeded
1-2 lg apples chopped (no need to peel)
2 ribs celery chopped
1 chopped onion
1 tb smoked salt if available
3 tb almond butter (you can skip this if you don't have it but it's much cheaper in bulk)
4 toes garlic chopped
8 cups water or stock
cinnamon
olive oil 1-2 tb
opt: sage, 12 oz white beans,1 cup dry lentils,bacon or analouge, red bell peppers
Saute all veggies except squash in olive oil. add to pot. pour in broth and everything else but the almond butter. Stir every 10-15 if on stovetop or more often if using bean or lentils as they stick. cook on crockpot low for 6-8 hours.  Mash up big pieces using bottom of ladle or immersion blend for creamier texture.When reaches desired squishiness remove from heat,add almond butter and stir. serve hot.