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In Season: Butternut Squash |
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Written by Sophia Markoulakis
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Monday, 14 December 2009 |
 There's nothing like the soothing rich flavor of butternut squash on a cold day, and I'm afraid we're in for plenty of those. You know, the kind of cold that a pair of socks won't cure. Growing up, "put on some socks if you're cold" was a standard phrase in our house. And I'm afraid I say the same thing to my kids now. But sometimes it takes more than some exterior covering to comfort us. Comfort and warmth from the inside out is called for; and we all know that food has a remarkable way of nourishing us nutritiously, emotionally, and spiritually.
With its elongated neck, putty-colored smooth skin, and round bulbous base, butternut squash is easily recognizable in the store or market. It's also one of the better squash to grow: CSAs will often distribute them throughout the dormant winter months. Don't be surprised if you find one or two in your share for the next few months. They store incredibly well so don't worry about creating a stockpile of them. Kept in a cool dry location such as a basement or utility room, they will satisfy you throughout the cold months ahead.
Nutritionally, butternut squash is healthier than many other winter squash varieties. Its dense flesh and deep orange color contribute to its lower water content and high levels of Vitamin A. One serving of butternut squash actually has more than 400% of a person's daily dose of Vitamin A. And with 50% of a person's daily dose of Vitamin C and a good amount of Vitamins E and B6, this winter squash will keep you well nourished all winter.
When selecting butternut squash, choose ones without any soft spots or cracks. Avoid any that feel hollow and pick out ones that feel heavy for their size. Keep an eye out for ones that have a long neck and smallish bulb end. These will have the least amount of seeds since they are only found inside the bottom of the squash. Invariably, these will feel the heaviest for their size.
Many avoid cooking with winter squash because of their tough skin that seems almost impossible to cut without a power tool. Butternut squash, on the other hand, is the easiest to cut and peel. Follow these simple steps and your knife (and digits) will remain intact:
- -Cut squash horizontally where the neck ends and the bulbous part begins.
- -If the neck is long, cut in half horizontally. Place neck on cutting board with cut side facing down and peel from top to bottom with either a knife or wide-blade vegetable peeler.
- -Turn peeled section on its side and cut off stem end. Set aside.
- -For bulb end, place cut side down on cutting board and cut in half. Scoop out seeds, discard, and place squash half, cut side down, and cut again in half. At this point the quarter bulb can either be peeled on the cutting board with a knife, or with a vegetable peeler while holding it (but be careful).
Once the squash is seeded and peeled, it can be cubed, sliced in discs, or quartered in pieces for steaming and mashing. Store uncooked squash in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to a week in the refrigerator. To freeze, simply place squash in a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible and use within a couple months. Foodie Pam grows several varieties of winter squash, including butternut, and has a go-to method for cooking hers. With a clean screwdriver and mallet, she makes several holes in a squash and roasts it whole until soft, about 1 hour. At this point she peels it and uses the cooked flesh in several recipes including her favorite lasagna one.
Butternut squash is, by far, the easiest winter squash to incorporate into recipes. It's got a nice touch of sweetness without that peculiar squash flavor that some squash and pumpkins possess. The flesh is dense and holds up well to all types of cooking methods including steaming, roasting, and baking. For measuring, expect that 1 lb. of squash equals 1 cup cooked and mashed so have this in mind when shopping.
I've included sweet and savory recipes in this month's selection. Take a stab at both types because comfort doesn't discriminate-sometimes we're in need of both.
Appetizers and Sides
Butternut Squash Empanadas are full of savory squash and make a hearty and fun appetizer to pass at a party. | |   | Butternut Squash Empanadas | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Grapes, and Sage is super easy and delicious with a touch of sweetness from the grapes. | | | | Roasted Butternut Squash, Red Grapes, and Sage | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Baked Spiced Butternut Squash with Apples and Maple Syrup is similar to a sweet potato casserole with the same spices and flavorings. | | | | Baked Spiced Butternut Squash With Apples And Maple Syrup | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Soups and Salads
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Bacon is mildly flavored with leeks and tart apples. The bacon gives it a savory smoky punch. | | | | Butternut Squash And Apple Soup With Bacon | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Butternut Squash Salad is dressed in a simple vinaigrette and served at room temperature, making it a great do-ahead dish for guests. | | | | Butternut Squash Salad | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Corn and Butternut Squash Chowder is quick and tasty thanks to frozen corn that adds texture and sweetness. | | | | Butternut Squash And Corn Chowder | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Roasted Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad could easily be a main course with hearty French green lentils. | | | | Roasted Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Main Dishes
Butternut Squash Risotto is a classic northern Italian risotto dish, full of savory parmesan and creamy from the classic slow-cooked cooking method. | | | | Butternut Squash Risotto | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Braised Lamb with Butternut Squash and Dried Fruit uses a more economical cut of lamb and has exotic sweet-spicy flavors typical of North African countries. | | | | Braised Lamb with Butternut Squash and Dried Fruit | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Butternut Squash Gnocchi is great served alone or with a hearty veal or pork chop, garnished with fried sage leaves. | | | | Butternut Squash Gnocchi | |  | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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| | | | Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Desserts
Butternut Squash and Chocolate Brownies are extremely moist and not too sweet thanks to the squash puree. | | | | Butternut Squash and Chocolate Brownies | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with Tres Leches Sauce is delicious on its own or with this decadent sauce. | | | | Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with Tres Leches Sauce | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Butternut Squash Spice Cake can be topped with a chocolate glaze or cream cheese frosting for a variation to an already delicious recipe. | | | | Butternut Squash Spice Cake | | Ingredients: finding ingredients... | My Rating: | | More Actions: | | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share | | | My Notes: - Private info just for you! | |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 14 December 2009 )
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On December 5, 2009, 11:04 pm spm said:
Full of savory squash and make a hearty and fun appetizer to pass at a party.