Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Butternut Squash Casserole



It's time for the "parade of squash" as my husband calls it.  Fall is when my CSA pick-ups are filled with squash of different shapes, sizes, and colors.  I love squash and all its nutritional benefits. Filled with Vitamin A, B6, and C, as well as fiber and potassium, butternut squash provides a healthy punch in a small package.

I usually make soup from the butternut squash, but I wanted to try something different. This creamy casserole appeared to be a great side for  a big holiday feast.  After trying it, I know it will be a great sweet addition to our Thanksgiving table in the same way that the baked pineapple has become a Christmas staple.

The original recipe I found recommended peeling and cubing the squash; then, boiling it for about 15 minutes.  I don't have time to cube that squash so I'll be halving it and roasting it with a bit of water until it's tender. Roasting will take longer, but I can do other work as it bakes.  Additionally, I cut the sugar amount from 1/2 cup since I know how sweet butternut squash can be.  Another option would be to trade sugar for maple syrup to change the flavor.
A few other recipes included toppings of Rice Krispies mixed with butter or Nilla Wafers mixed with butter and browned to add a finished look for the table. When I reheated too long in the microwave (oops!), I added some applesauce which was delicious too.



INGREDIENTS: 

  • 1 large butternut squash, roasted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 T butter
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • 1/4 t cinnamon, ground
  • 1/4 t nutmeg, ground
  • 1 cup pecans

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Scoop inside of roasted squash.
  3. Add to bowl, beat.
  4. Add other ingredients.  Mix well.
  5. Place in prepared dish. Bake for 35 minutes. 
Yum-reheating in the microwave with some apple sauce was awesome!


TIME: 45 minutes prep (includes roasting), 35 minutes baking time
DIFFICULTY: Easy
SOURCE: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/creamy-butternut-squash-casserole








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