Winter Squash Recipes

It's becoming ingrained in me that a change in weather means a change in the food that I eat. Just like I bring out my scarf and boots for the winter, I also start to dream about all the new soups I can make, breads that can finally be baked in the cooler kitchen, and meals that warm my toes. Summer is the time to be outside having fun, and our meals reflect that. Cold soups, sandwiches, grains, and lots of tomatoes. Winter is different though. Winter brings people inside, gathered over warm soups, breads, sauteed chard, persimmon cookies, and baked winter squash.

Winter squash?!! What a funny thing. The tough outer skins and unusual shapes scare people away. Even the name is strange- a winter vegetable that you grow during the summer? But I love winter squash. It can make a great soup, you can stuff it to make a hearty meal, or you can drizzle some honey and raisins on it to make a great dessert. Not only that, but its good for you! Squash is high in potassium, vitamin A, and has tons of fiber in it. Check out some of the recipes below to see what you can do with that all of that funky squash and invite your friends over!

Butternut Squash Soup

• 1 pound of butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion
• 6 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
• Nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Roasted Squash

• 1-2 winter squash cut into quarters
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Spices ( I like nutmeg, and some paprika)

Cut your squash into quarters. Remove seeds and middle. Place in baking dish filled up a quarter of an inch with water. Place squash in oven at 400 and bake until soft. When squash is ready drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite spices. If you're in the mood for some sweet squash drizzle with honey and top with raisins.