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Winter squash is really a misnomer, as these delicious treats are grown in the summer. They are edible well into the winter, however, thanks to their ability to last for months in storage. First, be sure to check for any soft spots. If there are any, cook that squash right away. Soft spots can easily be cut out and the rest of the squash is usually fine.
Not sure what to do with your extra squash? Instead of pumpkin bread, try this recipe with another orange fleshed squash.
This recipe is from the Betty Crocker Cooking for Two cookbook and is a perfect pairing of fall crops. Buttercup squash, like acorn squash, isn’t always easy to peel – this makes it a great squash for stuffing with other things. With brown sugar and apples, this recipe makes for a sweet side dish. Serves 2.
Here’s an easy recipe found on mercola.com for a sweet soup made with your extra squash and sweet potatoes. Serves 4.
Although considered a winter squash, acorn squash actually belongs to the same species as all “summer” squashes (such as zucchini and yellow squash). The most common variety is dark green in color, but newer varieties can be yellow, white, even variegated. As the name suggests, its shape resembles that of an acorn. It is a good candidate for winter storage, keeping several months in a cool dry location. Squash can be refrigerated, but it will deteriorate quickly and should only be refrigerated 1-2 weeks.
Acorn squash has a slightly sweet taste, which complements the sweetness of the apple and mild spice of the curry powder. Enjoy this acorn squash and apple soup with some crusty whole-grain bread. A great soup for stormy days. Or for Thanksgiving. Makes about 24 cups of soup.
Pumpkins aren’t the only squash that yield tasty seeds for roasting! Next time you prepare a winter squash (e.g. butternut or acorn squash), save the seeds and have yourself a nutritious little snack.
This Melissa Clark recipe from NY Times Cooking is tasty and easy enough; just don’t let the ingredient list discourage you! It serves 4.
From the cookbook, Cooking Close to Home, here is a colorful recipe that is simple to make. The recipe serves 4. Enjoy!
We usually roast winter squash, but you can braise your winter squash instead if you are willing to trade more prep time for less cook time. Braised or simmered squash cooks in just a few minutes, and you’re left with the benefit of all that creamy sauce, too. This recipe from thekitchn.com shows how to do it. The squash can be served in chunks, or puréed into a sauce, e.g. for serving over pasta.