Christina's Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Horseradish and Apples

3 acorn squash (about 3 pounds total)
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, skimmed of fat
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1 tablespoon freshly grated horseradish
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 Granny Smith apples(about 1 pound)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
Olive-oil cooking spray

1. Heat oven to 450°. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place, cut side down, on a baking sheet coated with olive-oil cooking spray. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes.

2. Combine chicken stock, apple cider, 1 teaspoon horseradish, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Scoop squash flesh out of skins, and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add 1 cup hot stock mixture, and puree until smooth. Stir squash mixture into pan with remaining stock, and keep soup warm.

3. Peel and core apples, and cut into 1/4-inch dice. Transfer to a small bowl, add lemon juice and remaining 2 teaspoons horseradish, and toss to combine. Heat a medium sauté pan coated with olive-oil cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add apple mixture, and sauté until golden brown. Serve soup garnished with sautéed apple mixture and chopped parsley.