Amazing Winter Squash: White Delicata and Sweet Dumpling with green strips. Pale yellow Butternut. Dark green, round Acorn. West Indian Calabaza and surprising Spaghetti Squash! They look like decorations, but their real beauty lies on the inside. It has a creamy texture and a luscious, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Yummy! Plus, they’re good for you!

Squash helps your body run smoothly. It's especially good for diabetics because it's low in calories and helps regulate blood sugar!

Squash has vitamin A (great for eye and lung health) and it helps strengthen bones. South Americans have been growing and enjoying squash for over 10,000 years!  Why? Because it’s delicious; there are so many different kinds; you can use lots of different ways.

To buy: Look for firm skin with no soft spots or bruises. It should feel heavier than you expect!

To store: Keep winter squash on the counter in a cool place; not in the fridge

To cook

• Butternut or Acorn Squash:  Cut hard-skinned squash in half (See tips below). Remove the seeds, and coat with a bit of olive oil; bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until it's fork-tender. (NOTE: Add about an inch of water to the pan to keep it moist.) Scoop out the cooked squash & season (See suggestions)

• Delicata or Sweet Dumpling: Leave the skin on. Slice in half & then into 1-inch slices. Bake or pan fry on the top of the stove (See below)

• Spaghetti Squash (See video) Use spaghetti! Only 25% of the calories of pasta

• Calabaza (West Indian Pumpkin) Cut in half, remove seeds  Place on middle rack in 400° oven without a pan & roast for 20 minutes.  For a taste of the Islands that even kids like, see below

Delicious!

Savor the Season: All Things Squash

RECIPE: Spaghetti Squash 

Use like pasta. Great by itself with a bit of seasoning or as the basis of a whole meal.  (only 25% of the calories in pasta!) See video above

To Make: Place the whole spaghetti squash on 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 enough to pick up.  Cut the squash in half lengthwise. use two forks to pull apart spaghetti squash flesh into fine noodle-like strings.

Just add your favorite pasta sauce OR butter and parmesan cheese.

Other Choices: 

Spaghetti Squash Tuscan Fresh Veggies Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of crispy bacon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 c. baby spinach

• 1/2 c. heavy cream

• 1/3 c. grated Parmesan

To Make: 

• While the squash is baking,  cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

• Pour off half the bacon fat and add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Add cream & 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.

• Calabacitas: Mexican Squash, corn and cheese: Video

TIPS: Handling Squash

Storage

• Summer squash goes in the frig. Zucchini & yellow squash will last about a week

• Winter squash stays on the counter, not in the fridge: Acorn is good for a month; Butternut for 2-3 months; Calabaza for about 1 month; Delicata & Spaghetti for about 2 months. Keep in the coolest part of the kitchen & check for soft spots.

Cooking Hard Squash:  Butternut & Acorn

• Using a heavy knife, cut off ¼ inch at both ends. 

• Remove the skin with a vegetable peeler 

• Cut squash in half lengthwise by placing a knife on the top of the squash & rocking back & forth while applying pressure to the handle and the top of the knife 

• Cube & add to stews or soups or roast

• CUT IN HALF & BAKE

Seasoning Suggestions: 

• Savory: Dash of garlic salt & 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• Sweet: ½ teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon cinnamon & 1½ teaspoon sugar 

Roasting  Delicata or Sweet Dumpling Squash Leave the skin on. Cut whole squash in half and then into 1” slices. The 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.

Squash Seeds make a delicious snack:

• Clean off the squash strings. Rinse & dry.

• Mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil & seasoning

• Bake at 350 for 25 minutes