Winter squash is a cozy food that is delicious eaten in the fall and winter months. They are a staple in our kitchen, but do you know how to use them? Come join me as we share our family's favorite ways to eat winter squash and share some new ways, too!

Note: The recipes commonly list Butternut squash, but you can easily substitute any of the squashes we have on our store.

1. Bake/Roast

This is our most common way to enjoy squash. Slice the squash in half vertically. Scoop the seeds and strings out each half. When roasting, keep the cut side up to help the flesh not get soggy as it cooks. Put a little water in the bottom to keep it from sticking. The squash is done when the flesh is soft. We like to broil it at the end for a few minutes to caramelize the sugars. When you serve it, place some quality butter on it and sprinkle on some cinnamon.

2. Mashed Squash

What do you do when your squash turns out soggy and unappetizing? You mash it! Scoop the flesh from the skin and season it with pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove). Our squash is naturally sweet, but you can add a touch of maple syrup if you like. Mix until combined. It is a great way to get your children to eat their vegetables since it tastes just like pie!

3. Soup Base

Squash makes a wonderful chicken soup base. Either add some roasted squash or raw grated squash. When it is broken down, it makes a thick, creamy gravy to which you can add potatoes, carrots, onions, leeks, and chicken. Yum!

4. Pie

Pumpkins are traditionally used for pie, but squash is a better substitute. Squash is drier than pumpkin so your finished pie may take shorter to bake. Also the flesh is sweet and flavorful, so you can add less sugar and spices. Just grab your favorite pie recipe and replace pumpkin with an equal amount of squash. Season and sweeten to taste. No one will ever notice the difference.

5. Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is commonly made with mashed potatoes over a hearty ground meat filling. Why not replace the mashed potaoes with mashed squash? It is a delicious way to use squash! You can season it with pumpking spice or with salt, pepper, and butter.

6. Mac and Cheese

Have you ever wanted to enjoy vegan mac and cheese? With squash, you can replace all the cheese with a squash 'cheese' sauce. Coconut cream or milk can be added for flavor and creaminess. If you don't feel that adventurous yet, you can replace some of the cheese with squash. This is another recipe that is great for children, for what child does not like mac and cheese?? This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe uses both cheese and squash in the cheese sauce.

7. Casserole

Casseroles are a fun way to use squash as well. This is similar to the mashed squash recipe, but it also has a topping. It is a fast easy dinner for a busy weeknight.

Now on to some new recipes!

8. Lasagna

Lasagna is a delicious recipe that is traditionally prepared with pasta layered with cheese and a tomato - meat sauce. Butternut Squash Lasagna is a unique way to make the traditional Italian pasta dish. In this recipe, pasta is layered with ricotta, squash, and bechamel. Even though it sounds exotic, the recipe list is simple. The ingredients are most likely common items that you already have in your fridge and cupboard. Don't worry about using fresh lasagna; boxed lasagna is fine, too.

9. Soup

If you are a fan of blended soups, this item is for you. However, we prefer our soups with a nice gravy and chunks of food floating around in it. A Butternut Squash Soup is full of flavorful, wintery herbs, spices, and vegetables. Keep this soup simmering on your stove to fill your house with the hearty aroma.

10. Rice Pudding

Rice pudding can be eaten for breakfast or dessert, but what better way to enjoy the fall and winter season than with a bowl of spicy Butternut Squash Rice Pudding . This recipe just uses cinnamon, but you can also use pumpkin pie spice as well.

BONUS!!

11. Roasted Squash Seeds

Roasted Squash Seeds are a healthy snack that you can make with the seeds from your squash. The seeds are high in zinc which is a great immun-boosting vitamin. You can boil the seeds before you roast, but it is an optional step. Get creative with your seasoning; there is a lot of deliciousness out there!

After tantalizing your taste buds, are you anxious to dive in and start cooking??

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