It’s Fall. Time for the amazing varieties of winter squash like white delicata, sweet dumpling, pale yellow butternut, dark green, round acorn, and of course, pumpkin. They all look like decorations, but their real beauty lies on the inside. A creamy texture and a succulent, nutty flavor with just a hint of sweetness. Delicious! Plus, they're good for you!
Squash helps your body run smoothly, especially if you are diabetic. Squash is packed with B-complex vitamins, fiber, and pectin. Pectin, a soluble fiber, improves digestive health, helps detoxify your body, and regulates the use of sugars and cholesterol. Squash also has vitamin A. It is great for eye and lung health and helps strengthen your bones.
How to buy: Look for a hard, firm skin with no soft spots or bruises. It should feel heavier than you expect!
Storage: Summer squash, zucchini & yellow squash go in the refrigerator & will last about a week. Winter squash stays on the counter, not in the refrigerator. Acorn squash is good for a month; Butternut for 2-3 months; and Delicata and Spaghetti for about two months. Keep it in the coolest part of the kitchen and check for soft spots.
How to cook:
Winter squash, except for Delicata, has a hard skin. The easiest way to cook is to cut the squash in half with a heavy knife and roast it. (Place a towel between your cutting board and the squash so it doesn’t slip.) Remove the seeds and pulp. (Save the seeds.) Add a bit of olive oil and some seasoning to the cavity. Place on a baking sheet with the skin side up and bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the squash. Test by inserting a knife after 20 minutes. Squash is cooked when a knife goes easily through the skin. Scope out the cooked squash and serve or serve the squash halves as is. Season to taste.
Delicata Squash. Slice into one-inch rounds. Remove the seeds and pulp by sliding a knife around the inside of the round. Season with a little olive oil & herbs. Place on a baking sheet & roast at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove, adjust seasoning, and serve in a salad, by itself, in a soup, or stew.
Spaghetti Squash. See recipe below
Squash & Spice
RECIPE: Spaghetti Squash
Great by itself with a bit of seasoning or as the basis of a whole meal. Only 25% of the calories in pasta!
PREPARATION & COOKING
Place the whole spaghetti squash in a pan in the oven at 350 degrees.
Cook for 45 minutes to an hour or until a fork easily goes through the skin. Let cool.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use two forks to pull apart spaghetti squash flesh into fine noodle-like strings. (see video for other cooking methods)
Just add your favorite pasta sauce or butter and parmesan cheese, or try spaghetti squash with Tuscan fresh veggies sauce
INGREDIENTS:
4 slices crispy bacon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan
TO MAKE:
While the squash is baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain fat. Save half the bacon fat.
Pour off half the bacon fat and add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Add cream and parmesan.
Let simmer until slightly thickened. Add spaghetti squash and toss until fully coated. Crumble bacon over the squash and stir to combine. Garnish with basil.
TIPS AND TRICKS
How To Cut Butternut And Acorn:
Using a heavy knife, cut off 1/4 inch at both ends. Remove the skin with a vegetable peeler
Cut the squash in half lengthwise by placing a knife on the top of the squash and rocking back and forth while applying pressure to the handle and the top of the knife
Cube squash and add to stews, soups, or roast.
Roasting Delicata or Sweet Dumpling Squash: Leave the skin on. Cut the whole squash in half and then into 1" slices. (slices should all be about the same size.) Mix with sliced red onions, garlic, a tablespoon of maple syrup, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a sprinkle of thyme. Bake for 20-25 minutes in 350 oven or until squash is tender. For a crisper outside, flip and roast for 10 more minutes.
Seasoning Suggestions:
Savory: Dash of garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Sweet: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar
SQUASH SEEDS: Make a delicious snack:
Clean off the squash strings. Rinse and dry.
Mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil and seasoning
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes
