Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash having a sweet, nutty flavor like the taste of a pumpkin. It is a big oblong-shaped vegetable which grows on a vine. It is made of orange fleshy pulp that is contained by yellow skin. When it is ripe, it becomes orange - the riper it gets, the deeper the orange color and it becomes sweeter and richer in flavor. The seeds can also be consumed whether raw or roasted. In Australia and New Zealand, the butternut squash is known as Butternut pumpkin.
Butternut squash can be used to make many delicious meals. It can be Roasted or Grilled to prepared casseroles, soups and make bread and muffins.
Here are a few ideas of meals that can be made with butternut squash.

Butter Nut Casserole

BUTTER NUT CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked butternut squash, pureed and drained
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 melted butter
8 ounces crushed pineapple with the juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (pecans can also be used)
You will need:

·         Casserole dish

·         Bowl

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325F
2. Use butter to grease a casserole dish and place it aside.
3. Combine the mashed butternut squash, sugar, liquefied butter, mashed pineapple, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg together in a bowl.
4. Combine well and pour into the greased casserole dish.
5. Scatter the walnuts on top.
6. Put in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
BUTTER NUT SQUASH PUDDING
Ingredients:
1.5 cups butter nut squash cooked and mashed
2 eggs
14 ounces evaporated milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
You will need:

·         Whisk

·         Mixing bowl

·         1.5 quart baking tin

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Crack eggs and pour into mixing bowl. Use the whisk and whisk the eggs until well blended.
3. Add the squash and beat the mixture until smooth.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into the baking tin and put in the oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a skewer is inserted and comes out clean.
For best outcome, put the baking tin in a larger oven-proof pan with water 1 -2 inches deep.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH FRIES
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized butter nut squash
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
You will need:

·         Sharp knife

·         Foil paper

·         Baking sheet

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Peel your butter nut squash, get rid of the seeds and slice the squash into long strips to make fries.
3. Spread foil paper over a baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray.
4. Fix the slices on the sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle with olive oil and a pinch of salt to taste.
6. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Fries should be lightly golden, crispy on the outside and moist on the interior. Serve when hot.

The best procedure to bring out the taste is by roasting it. Use a vegetable peeler and remove the skin then cut the squash into cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast on a cookie sheet for about 40 minutes. Serve as a side dish. You can also crush or puree the roasted squash in a food processor and add it to your favorite soup.

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