Butternut Squash - Again!

Butternut Squash Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs Yukon gold organic potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 bay leaf

5 sprigs fresh thyme

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 TBSP olive oil

freshly ground nutmeg, to taste

     In a large pot, cover the potatoes, squash and herbs with water.  Season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender.  Reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid, then drain and discard the herbs.  Return the vegetables to the pot and mash with the olive oil until smooth.  I pull out my beaters and whip it up!  Adjust seasoning, adding nutmeg to taste and more herb water if necessary.  

My kids loved this dish.  It was sweet, warm, and lush.  Try this on Thanksgiving day!  

She Walks in Beauty

by Lord Byron

She walks in beauty, like the night

  Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

  Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellow'd to that tender light

  Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

  Had half impair'd the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

  Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

  How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

  So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

  But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

  A heart whose love is innocent!