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1
With a vegetable peeler, pare skin from squash and throw away.
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2
Cut squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out and throw away seeds.
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3
Cut squash into 1/4-inch-thick slices, then cut sufficient into neat 1/4-inch cubes to make 2 c.; chop remainder.
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4
In a 3- to 4-qt pan over high heat, bring broth to a boil.
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5
Add in squash cubes and cook till barely tender when pierced, 3 to 4 min.
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6
With a slotted spoon, transfer cubes to a bowl.
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To pan, add in minced squash, garlic, vinegar, and rosemary.
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8
Boil, stirring occasionally, till most of the liquid is evaporated and squash mashes easily when pressed, about 30 min.
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9
Meanwhile, rinse, drain, and quarter shiitake mushroom caps.
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10
In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over high heat, combine 2 Tbsp.
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butter and shiitakes; stir often till mushrooms are lightly browned, 5 to 6 min.
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12
In a blender or possibly food processor, combine minced squash mix, chestnuts, and 2 Tbsp.
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13
butter; whirl till smooth.
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14
Scrape into a shallow 1 1/2-qt casserole (microwave-safe if making ahead).
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15
Scatter cooked cubed squash and mushrooms over pureed squash mix.
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16
Add in salt and pepper to taste.
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17
Roasted Chestnuts: Sort chestnuts, discarding those which feel very light (they are apt to be moldy), to make 1 lb.
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(about 4 c.) nuts.
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19
Cut an X through the flat side of each shell.
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20
Spread chestnuts in a single layer in a 10- by 15-inch baking pan.
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Bake in a 400 degree oven till nuts are no longer starchy-tasting (taste to test), about 30 min.
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22
Wrap warm nuts in a towel and enclose in a plastic bag; let stand till cold sufficient to touch, about 10 min.
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23
Take out 1 nut at a time and, with a short-bladed knife, pull off and throw away shell and as much of the brown skin as you can.
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24
Use hot or possibly cool.
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25
(Makes 2 c.)
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26
This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.
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27
Comments: Instead of roasting fresh chestnuts, you can use peeled cooked chestnuts, that are available frzn, vacuum-packed and shelf-stable, and packed in water and canned.
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28
If making casserole up to 1 day ahead, cold, cover airtight, and chill; to reheat, uncover and cook in a microwave oven on full power (100%) till warm, about 4 min.
