Winter Squash—Favorite Cucurbit

In the waning days of the farmer’s market, it’s all about the squash.

Some vendors carry them as decorations, some as dinner possibilities.  I plan to buy as many as I can and drag them all home this weekend.

My garden doesn’t reliably produce great squash.  I’m working on it, trying to find a sunnier spot or take advantage of some vertical possibilities.  Luckily, fellow homegirl extraordinaire, Peash, has offered up some of her garden space for more squash possibilities.  That thought will keep me going all winter.

In the meantime, how to get more squash into my family?

Winter squash is chock full of vitamins A, many Bs, C, niacin, folate, iron, and beta carotene.  Generally speaking, the deeper the color, the more beta carotene.

In need of a roasted chicken side dish, I tried roasting some “Sunshine” squash I picked up at the farmer’s market a few weeks ago.  My husband and I liked it as is, but the kids could have used a little encouragement to eat it.  “Not my favorite” is as negative as one is allowed to be at my dinner table.

Next time, I’ll try this recipe.  A little sugar and butter goes a long way with picky eaters.  I found it in our local co-op publication and it could work with any squash.

Maple Glazed Squash

For every 2-3 pounds squash,

• 2 T. butter
• 3 T. maple syrup
• ¼ t. cinnamon
• 1/8 t. garam masala (an Indian spice blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and cardamon)

1. Cut squash in half and clean out seeds and pulp.  Divide the halves into single serving slices.
2. Roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
3. Melt butter and add syrup and spices.
4. Brush the insides of the squash with half the butter mixture and resume roasting.
5. Bake an additional 20 minutes (or until tender, depending on density of squash variety).
6. Remove from oven and brush with the remainder of the butter mixture.
7. Serve.

Winter squash is plentiful at farmer’s markets in the late fall.  Many varieties will store all winter long in a cool, dry basement or closet.  Buy as many varieties as you can, ask about their attributes, and look for them in seed catalogs this winter to plan your own dream squash garden.