Butternut Bowls

Dear Cecily,

During the winter I always seem to have an extra butternut squash lying around my kitchen. They're healthy and inexpensive this season, but my husband is a bit bored with the same old microwave-then-serve way of eating it. I have to say I'm a little bored with it too! I'd love a new way to prepare it. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Katherine in CT


Dear Katherine,

T'is the season of the butternut squash as anyone in New England knows, but I agree, finding new and exciting things to do with that round, green vegetable can be challenging. No more. Here is a way to use the butternut squash in a totally new, and extremely versatile way. Here is how easy it is:

Step 1: Cut butternut squash in half and cook it, cut side down in a little water in the microwave.
Step 2: Prepare whatever dish you would normally serve over rice or pasta. It can be chicken, beef, fish, vegetarian or anything else you like!
Step 3: Put the butternut squash on your plate, cut side up, just like a bowl. Spoon your main dish into this bowl.

All that is left to do is to serve and watch your husband's eyes light up. I recently served this butternut bowl with spicy Mediterranean shrimp and my husband (also a good New Englander) was ecstatic.

Happy Cooking,
Cecily