Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

　　a 1 1/2-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

　　1/4 cup walnuts, chopped fine

　　2 to 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

　　Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a steamer set over boiling water steam the squash, covered, for 15 minutes, or until it is tender. In a food processor puree the squash with the butter, season it with salt and pepper, and transfer it to a buttered 2-to 3-cup shallow baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the squash with the walnuts and the Parmesan and bake it in the upper third of the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the walnuts are toasted.