Monday, September 26, 2011

Mmmm... Butternut!



I was feeling a little disappointed today. Disappointed that we couldn't find a babysitter for week #2 of our homechurch and I'd be staying home alone. Joel has been more than generous in letting me go most nights we can't find a sitter. I'm home all day and crave time out with people. He's an introvert and is generally happen for a night to himself. But he's in charge of a compassion initiative that needed to be talked about last night, plus he's long overdue for a turn.


So, I decided to get over it and think of the ways I could spend the evening. Plus I was excited to surprise him with a recipe for butternut squash I've been wanting to try for weeks. I was feeling good. But then came the dinner hour. I had taken the boys outside to play in the yard knowing I had to be in at a certain time to get dinner going. They were having fun and I stayed out later than planned. My neighbour was kind enough to help watch the boys while all of our kids played and I started on dinner. But sadly I only read the second half of the directions and didn't cook the squash for long enough, resulting in a meal of fish and only fish at the appointed time. I quickly opened a can of corn, my kitchen a disaster, hungry boys and feeling grumpy about my squash. Necessity caused me to pull it together and try to salvage my mistake. I'm happy to report that after a decent meal of fish and corn, we were able to finish it off with a dessert of butternut squash... and yes it really was that good to be considered a dessert. Joel gave it five stars and I believe described it as "insane"... definitely worth the wait.


So if you're looking for a delicious side dish or even just a lighter meal, that's easy (if you read the directions right) and perfect for this time of year, I present to you.....


Butternut Squash with Sage Bread Crumbs


1 butternut squash (2 lb)

2 T olive oil

1/2 t each salt and pepper

1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs (I eyeballed it but used less, just store bought)

1/2 cups shredded old white Cheddar cheese

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1 t dried sage


Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Place cut up side on lined baking sheet. Brush with half of the oil; sprinkle with half each of the salt and pepper. Roast in 425F oven for 30 minutes (this is the part I neglected to do at first, so it was done later).


Stir together bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, sage and remaining oil salt and pepper; sprinkle onto squash. Roast until topping is crisp and golden and squash is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.


**Found in the September 2011 issue of Canadian Living**

4 comments:

Joel said...

It's true...it was insanely good.

Anonymous said...

Looks (and sounds!) delicious!! Although, I think I'm partial to butter and brown sugar! :)
~ Arja

the smiths said...

Can't wait to try! Squash is one of my faves, but Ben abhors it. :(

cheryl said...

this looks good and not too tricky! thanks huls!