Apple And Butternut Squash Soup

1 2-pound butternut squash , peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch pieces (approximately 4 cups)

2 Northern Spy or McIntosh apple s, peeled, cored and cut into 2-inch pieces (approximately 2 cups)

1 large onion , peeled and coarsely chopped (approximately 1 cup)

3/4 teaspoon curry powder

3/4 teaspoon ground mace

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 cup cider

1 quart homemade chicken stock

1/2 cup half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 cup finely minced scallion s, green tops included, for garnish