Maple Vanilla Squish Squash

Difficulty rating: 2 chef's hat (out of 5)
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed  (or 10 oz. thawed frozen squash)
• water to cover
• ¼ stick salted butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Peel, seed and dice butternut squash into even size pieces.  Place squash in a medium sauce pan, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Simmer squash for 5-10 minutes until squash is fork tender.  Strain Butternut squash and place into a bowl.

If using frozen squash, you can skip the above steps and instead reheat squash until hot in microwave or oven.

In a mixer or with a hand blender, mash squash until smooth.  Add Butter and stir until butter is completely melted. Add remaining syrup, vanilla, salt and pepper and stir until completely mixed. Adjust seasoning as desired with salt and pepper and serve.

Inspired by Patrick Moore, A'viands Food Service Director for the Ashland School District