Vanilla Bay Butternut Bread

Preheat oven to 350u00b0 F. Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan.

Toast pecans on a baking sheet until fragrant, 5-7 minutes. Allow pecans to cool before grinding them in a mini prep food processor (or similar appliance).

Place squash pieces in a small saucepan. Using a sharp knife split vanilla bean and scrape into pan, dropping bean in as well. Fold bay leaf in half and add it to the pan along with the coconut milk. Cover, and cook over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until squash is soft, about 15 minutes. Use a hand held masher to mash squash mixture (should have uniform consistency like applesauce). Measure out one cup, discarding bay and bean. Cover with saran and refrigerate to cool slightly. (Can be done one day ahead)

Whisk together flour, ground pecans, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. With an electric mixer, beat ingredients until mixture is pale and has thickened a bit.

Mix in cooled squash sauce on medium until well combined. Repeat with dry ingredients until just combined and thick. Give the bottom of your bowl a swipe with a spatula to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before running a knife around edge. Remove to a rack and cool 10 minutes more. Enjoy.