Basic Baked Squash
This is one of the simplest recipes for squash. You can use any type of winter squash, just adjust the cooking time if you have a smaller variety. This basic mashed vegetable can be sweetened with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar and eaten as a side, or (unsweetened) added to soups, breads, cakes, and casseroles for a boost of beta carotene. Butternut can also be peeled, cubed, and then steamed, baked or boiled. It’s very popular in soup.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Cut squash in half, and scoop out seeds (save these to bake later if you’d like). Place on a cookie sheet cut side up. Put cookie sheet in preheated oven. Add ½ cup water to pan. Bake for 30-60 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Allow squash to cool, then scoop into a large bowl. Mash to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are popular additions too.