CELERY ROOT PURÉE

Ingredients

• ​6 cups cubed peeled celery root (1 inch)
• 2 cups milk (2%)
• 2 whole star anise*
• 1 bay leaf*
• 1/4 cup whipping cream, optional*
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Combine celery root, milk, star anise and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring frequently, until celery root is tender, about 30 - 35 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Strain mixture through a colander into a large heatproof bowl, reserving celery root mixture and strained milk.
4. Remove and discard star anise and bay leaf from celery root. Reserve 3/4 cup strained milk; discard remaining strained milk.
5. Place celery root and reserved strained milk in a food processor; process until smooth.
6. Force mixture through a sieve into a bowl; discard pulp. Add cream, salt and pepper; stir to combine. Serve immediately.