Make Ahead) Squash and Potato Puree with Buttermilk & Chives

No one has to know you made this savory side dish the day before the big feast! Butternut squash was sublime in this dish but other winter squashes will work just as well. Do you have to use chives? Nope. Flavor the puree however you like. Fresh or dried thyme would be lovely too.

Tip: For a country style (chunky style) use a hand held potato masher.

Ingredients:

2	# of butternut squash (one medium squash)
1	teaspoon of olive oil
	coarse grained salt and cracked black pepper
4-6	cloves of garlic, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, sprouts removed
2	sprigs of thyme
2	# of Yukon Gold, potatoes
1	cup of buttermilk
2	tablespoons chives, minced

	Preheat oven to 375°. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Brush the cut surfaces with one teaspoon of olive oil. Season with coarse grained salt and cracked black pepper. Place the garlic and one sprig of thyme in the cavity of each half. Place cut side down on a cookie sheet and bake 25-35 minutes or until completely soft and tender.
	Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut into uniform chunks. Place cut potatoes in a sauce pan large enough to hold them and cover with cold, salted water. Bring potatoes to a boil, reduce and simmer until a fork goes through them easily, approximately 25-30 minutes. Don't overcook the potatoes or they will become water logged.
	When the squash is just cool enough to handle, scrape the meat from the skin and pass through a ricer or food mill along with the cooked garlic, discard the thyme sprig. Do the same with the cooked potatoes. If you are serving the potatoes right away, gently heat the buttermilk in a small sauce pot over medium-low heat. Add enough of the buttermilk to the puree to get the consistency you prefer. Season to taste with coarse grained salt and cracked black pepper. Stir in the chives just before serving.

Tools of the Trade

	Cutting board
	Chef's knife
	Pastry brush
	Cookie sheet
	Peeler (OXO is excellent!)
	Sauce pan
	Ricer, food mill or hand held potato masher

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