Butternut Squash Mash

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 10.5 pounds butternut squash 
• 1 tablespoon sage fresh minced
• 2 small garlic 
• 0.5 cup half and half 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon pepper freshly ground
• 2 teaspoons salt 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven
• knife
• plastic wrap
• hand mixer
• casserole dish
• aluminum foil
• microwave
• chefs knife

Directions

1. To make squash easier to cut, prick squash with a paring knife; microwave each squash on HIGH 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully cut squash in half lengthwise using a sharp chef's knife, discarding seeds and membranes. Line 2 large baking sheets with aluminum foil; lightly grease foil. Arrange squash halves, cut side down, on baking sheets.
2. Cut off pointed ends of garlic bulbs.
3. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with oil. Fold foil to seal; place on 1 baking sheet with squash.
4. Place 1 baking sheet on upper oven rack; 1 on lower oven rack.
5. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, switching baking sheet positions after 35 minutes.
6. Let cool 10 minutes.
7. Scoop out squash from shell, and place in a large bowl. Squeeze garlic cloves from bulbs; mash with a fork.
8. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half and next 3 ingredients; bring to a simmer.
9. Remove from heat.
10. Add herbed butter and mashed garlic to squash. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
11. Serve hot.
12. Make Ahead: Prepare squash mash. Cool, cover, and chill up to 3 days. Reheat Butternut Squash Mash loosely covered with heavy-duty plastic wrap in the microwave on HIGH 6 to 8 minutes or until heated thoroughly, stirring after 4 minutes, or bake it in a covered casserole dish at 350 until hot.