Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3 1/2  pounds        butternut squash -- peeled, seeded, and
                        cut into 1-inch chunks
   2      tablespoons   unsalted butter -- cut into pieces
   2      tablespoons   pure maple syrup -- (2 to 3)

Preparation:

In a steamer set over boiling water steam the squash, covered, for 15 minutes, or until it is very tender. Reserve the steaming liquid and in a food processor pur‚e the squash with the butter, the maple syrup, and enough of the reserved steaming liquid to reach the desired consistency. Season the squash pur‚e with salt and pepper. The squash pur‚e may be made 3 days in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated, adding additional water as needed.