Butternut squash soup is one of life’s simple pleasures. Steam rising from the soothing amber liquid as its coats your spoon or clings willingly to a well toasted slice of sourdough. While the kind of wintery weather that invites a piping hot bowl of soup doesn’t always abound here in Hong Kong, sometimes it's just nice to pretend.

That weather abounds in Holland where these squash are grown, the late season frosts ensuring extra sweet little pumpkins. Whether you’re serving it roasted, mashed or in a soup, butternut squash is a handy veg to have on hand any time of year.