Remove the skin and the seeds from the butternut, and cut into cubes.
Place the cubed butternut in a saucepan with water.
Cover, with a lid, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until the butternut is tender.
Drain, reserving the liquid.
Blend your butternut (with spices) if you are using it until a smooth texture is achieved, add liquid as needed to reach a velvety smooth consistency. You can use either a blender or a food processor for this step. If you are making this for your baby stop at this step.
If you are adding butter add cubed butter to the smooth puree and blend until it is well mixed.
Taste and salt as needed for a family meal.
Notes
Yield: 1 cup of butternut squash purée
For a richer flavor you can roast the butternut squash on a baking sheet in the oven until tender, instead of cooking it with water on the stovetop.
This recipe will work just as well with pumpkin.
Freeze portions of your butternut purée in ice cube trays or baby food trays.
Choose a good butternut squash: Look for a firm butternut squash that is evenly beige in colour, and its stalk stump should be in place (a squash with its stalk in place will last longer)