How to use your winter squash

Here is a good overview on how to use your winter squash, i.e. acorn, butternut, and delicata.

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Winter-Squash-How-To-Cook-It/Detail.aspx

Winter Squash: How To Cook It

Winter squash (aside from being beautiful centerpieces) are some of healthiest and delicious vegetables to grace your dinner table.

Related Links  (CLICK LINK ABOVE TO SEE THESE)

• Winter Squash Types
• Baking with Fresh Pumpkin
• Grow a Kitchen Garden
• Winter Squash Recipes

If you've never handled one of those thick-skinned winter squashes before, the idea of actually cooking with it can be a little intimidating. Many recipes call for pre-cooked squash. Learn how to make the most of the creamy flesh of winter squash.

---

Baking Method

Cut smaller squash (like acorn squash) in half; scoop out the seeds. Place 2 teaspoons honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon butter into their centers. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.

Cheesy Acorn Squash Delicata Delish Spaghetti Squash II Baked Stuffed Pumpkin

---

Roasting Method

Cut in half and seed squash. Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Rub the flesh with softened butter or oil, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with brown sugar, maple syrup or orange juice. Flip the squash over and roast them for 40 to 45 minutes in a preheated 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) oven. Roast the squash until the skin is blistered, browned and the flesh tender. Insert a fork or knife under the skin to test that the flesh is tender. When the squash has cooled the skin should peel off easily.
Roasting squash helps to maintain squash's delicate flavor. Once roasted and cooled, there are a plethora of cooking options available. One option is to mash the squash and use it in any recipe calling for squash purée. Roasted squash freezes extremely well and reheats easily. Don't be afraid to roast several squash at once and freeze it for use during the holidays; it'll cut down on some of the cooking crunch come November and December!

Harvest Pumpkin Soup Butternut Squash Pizzas with Rosemary Spaghetti Squash Roasted Acorn Squash

---

Boiling Method

Cut the squash in half and discard the seeds. Peel and cut the squash into chunks. Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the squash is tender. Let the chunks cool, then purée the flesh in a food processor or mash. To use the purée in pies, pass it through a strainer or sieve to remove any fibers or chunks.

Pumpkin and Feta Risotto Vegetarian Four Cheese Lasagna

---

Microwave Method (HSF DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS!)

Cut the squash in half and discard seeds. Microwave on high for seven minutes per pound.

Nana's Acorn Squash Butternut Soup

---

Want to Save This Article to Your Recipe Box?
It's easy! First, copy the article's web address (Url). Then click My Recipe Box at the top right corner of this page. Click Weblink at the top of your Recipe List and paste the Url in the space provided. (Note: If you get a "Sorry...broken link" message, ignore it! Enter a Weblink Title, click Preview, then Save Weblink. Done!)