Makes 6-8 servings. From Martha Stewart’s Daytime Show.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ripe pears, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
• 3 T. unsalted butter
• 1 T. chives, snipped
• Coarse salt

Instructions:

1. Place parsnips in large saucepan and add enough water to cover by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer until fork tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove pan from heat, then add pears, cover, and let stand until pears are tender—about five minutes.
4. Drain, reserving two cups of liquid.
5. Puree parsnips and pears using an immersion blender or blender in small batches.
6. Add reserved liquid to achieve desired consistency and transfer puree to a large bowl.
7. Stir in butter and chives and season with salt.