This makes a very flavorful bread that is good with Thanksgiving dinner. I also will be giving this bread as a gift, wrapped in festive paper, tied with raffia, and with an accompanying bottle of wine. It's a Taste of Home recipe.
3 packages 91/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 cups mashed, cooked buttercup or butternut squash
2 cups milk
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 teaspoons salt
about 10 cups flour
In a very large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and let stand till proofed. Add the squash, milk, brown sugar, butter, eggs and salt - mix well. Add 6 cups flour. Beat on medium speed, 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead till smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and turn to allow top to be greased. Cover and let rise in a warm place till doubled - about 1 1/4 hours.
Punch down, divide into three portions, and shape into loaves. Place in 3 greased loaf pans (9X5X3). Cover and let rise again till doubled, about 45 minutes.
350 degrees, bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.