(source*)

Squash can be an over-whelming vegetable. It is hard to chop, hard to peel and then you have to figure out how you are going to eat it! I received a request for a post on squash last week so I thought I’d put together a few tips that I’ve learned over the years. Please add in your own squash tips, I’m not an expert.

There are a few tricks that apply to most of the varieties:

• microwaving the squash for a few minutes will soften it up if you are having trouble cutting through it
• when I cut squash in half to roast, I always scoop out the seeds, drizzle with a little water, season with salt & pepper, and cook cut-side down on a pan
• roasting time will vary, but the flesh should be soft when it is ready to eat

Acorn: 

• cut in half, scoop out the seeds and roast until flesh is soft
• scoop out squash and top with a pat of butter, salt and pepper
• recipe to try: acorn squash with sage brown butter

Butternut: 

• can be peeled with a peeler or knife – I usually cut in half where the base starts rounding, then peel, then cut into pieces to roast
• a great squash to puree and add to soups or use in salads
• recipe to try: classic butternut squash soup (with variation ideas)

Kabocha:

• a newer squash to the US, kabocha squash comes from Japan
• like butternut, it is great squash to puree or add to soups
• cut in half, scoop out seeds and roast
• recipe to try: roasted kabocha squash

Spaghetti: 

• cut in half length-wise, roast, scoop out seeds and then scrape the sides to form spaghetti-like strands
• serve like you would spaghetti with sauce, meatballs, etc. or saute with a touch of butter, garlic, italian herbs and with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese
• recipe to try: spaghetti squash casserole with ricotta and spinach

Delicata:

• this is a relatively new squash to me but it is a great one because you can eat the peel and it is very easy to cut
• cut in half length-wise, scoop out seeds, slice and bake
• recipe to try: roasted delicata squash with rosemary

*All pictures from Real Simple

A few years ago my brother, who always gave me “funny” Christmas presents, gave me a camouflage crock pot. I believe my response included something along the lines of, “I don’t hunt squirrels in my back yard like you, why would I ever use a crock pot?” and promptly returned that present, most likely by December 26th. It may have been the camouflage, but for some reason I didn’t see why I would ever need to use a crock pot. Oh how naive I was at 22 and in college, with lots of time to cook dinner every night.

A few years after that returned present and a full-time job later, I realized what the crock pot is all about. It really is magical. You layer ingredients in that ceramic crock in the morning and when you return home hours later, you can smell dinner from the hallway. It makes those chilly fall and winter days all the better, doesn’t it?

I think the crock pot was once perceived (from those thought they were above it like me) as an appliance for Midwesterners, who assumingly live on the farm and use it for things like pot roast. But it can do so much more than pot roast as evidenced by a Southern Style Feast, Pulled Pork Tacos, Lentil & Garbazno Stew, and Sweet Potato, Spinach & Chorizo Soup. You can expect some new crock pot recipes from me soon, but I would love for you to share your favorite crock pot recipes, I could use some inspiration!

I don’t use my crock pot on a weekly basis, but enough to make it worth while and although I didn’t quite get it 5 years ago, my Midwestern soul gets it now.