Butternut Squash Souffle

This is a delightful change from the more familiar sweet potato souffles. Lighter both in color and flavor, this souffle is inhaled by my children; it also "clings" slightly to their spoons, so it makes a great early food for utensil practice. My friend Alondra said she could eat it for dessert, it was so good! I make the souffle up ahead of time (even a day ahead) and then pop it in the oven when I'm ready. That's a big time saver since the souffle involves a few steps.

Original recipe is from Southern Living

1 large butternut squash (about 2 lb.)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage*
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1. Remove stem from squash. Cut squash lengthwise into 4 pieces; remove and discard seeds. Cook squash in boiling water to cover in a large saucepan over medium-high heat 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well; let cool for 25 minutes or until completely cool. Remove and discard peel.

2. Process squash and eggs in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Add sour cream and remaining ingredients; process 20 to 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.

3. Bake at 350° for 55 to 60 minutes or until set.

*1 tsp. ground sage may be substituted.

Note: You can substitute 3 (12-oz.) packages frozen butternut squash puree for fresh squash. Omit Step 1, and prepare frozen squash according to package directions. Proceed with Steps 2 and 3, reducing butter to 2 Tbsp. and baking time to 45 to 50 minutes. For testing purposes only, we used McKenzie's Frozen Butternut Squash Puree.

Makes 6 servings