Pureed Roasted Parsnips and Butternut Squash w/ Creme Fraiche

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the stem end off the squash and then cut it in half lengthwise. Don't worry about the seeds. Put the two pieces, cut side down, in a very lightly oiled shallow roasting pant. Nestle the sage leaves, if using, under one half of the squash and the bay leaves under the other. Put 3 - 4 tablespoons of water in the pan.
3. Using the end of a sharp knife, make five or six small cuts on the upper side of each piece. Put the squash in the oven immediately. (Don't worry if it's not entirely preheated.) Check every fifteen minutes while the squash is cooking, to make sure the liquid has not all evaporated. Add more if necessary. You want to create an herb- scented broth, as well as the caramelized juices released by the squash.
4. Peel the parsnip, then cut off the top and the inner tough core. To do this, cut the parsnip into quarters lengthwise and use a paring knife to cut away what will be triangular strips of core.
5. Cut the quarter parsnips into 2 or 3 pieces each, then put them on a lightly oiled baking sheet and into the oven.
6. Roast until tender, turning them once or twice. It shouldn't take more than half an hour, depending on the size of the pieces. Remove when done and put in the bowl of your food processor. Cover it with the top to keep the parsnips warm.
7. The squash may take longer (up to about 45 minutes, or longer, depending on your oven). Check it by sticking the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part. It's best when it's very, very soft. If your squash is nice and fresh, expect there to be a lot of gooey run off from the squash.
8. When the squash is cooked, take it out and using a fork in one hand to stablize it (as it will be very hot, and the sugar in it can burn you, badly), remove the seeds with a sharp edged spoon.
9. Remove the roasted squash from the skin and put in the food processor with the parsnips. Add a tiny pinch of salt and the liquid from the roasting pan in which you cooked the squash. (Add a bit more water to the pan, if necessary, and scrape down any hardened juices, and add those, too). Discard the herbs. Process for about twenty seconds, scrape down the sides and process again. Repeat this as many times as you need to create the consistency you want. I actually prefer a bit of texture, so I don't create a true puree.
10. Remove from the food processor and stir in the creme fraiche. Add finishing salt to taste, and a few grinds of pepper, if you want..
11. Serve warm with extra creme fraiche for those who love it. This is also nice at room temperature.
12. Enjoy!!
13. Note: This puree is great in curried red lentils or masoor dal, and can easily be turned into soup simply by adding the nicest chicken or mild vegetable stock that you have, plus a bit of cream or milk. It's also delicious cold, with a few tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice per serving stirred in. The possibilities are endless!! ;o)