Parsnip & Sweet Potato Purée

1 1⁄2lb parsnips, peeled and cut into 3⁄4- to 1-inch pieces

1⁄2lb sweet potato, peeled and cut into 3⁄4- to 1-inch pieces

1 small onion (3 ounces), peeled and cut into 3⁄4- to 1-inch pieces

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄2 cup half-and-half or light cream

2 tbls unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces, room temperature

1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Put parsnips, sweet potato, and onion pieces in a 3-quart nonreactive saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Add 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt to the water. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium- high and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

When vegetables are tender, remove from heat. Drain and return to cooking pan. Add half-and-half and butter. Insert the hand blender into the cooked vegetables, making certain the protective guard is sub- merged in the vegetables. Blend on Low, using a gentle up-and-down motion, moving the hand blender through the pan, until ingredients are well blended, smooth and creamy, about 50 to 60 seconds. Season with the remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon salt and the white pepper. Serve hot. If not serving immediately, transfer purée to a double boiler and keep warm over simmering water.