Squash, winter

Instructions

First off, wash your winter squash and stab it a few times. (No Norman Bates imitations. Go easy.)

Next, put your stabbed darling into a preheated (350 degree oven) for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size. Throw it right on the rack?no pan necessary.

When the time is up, pull the squash from the oven and set it aside. Now futz with your salad or whatever else you need to do to get dinner ready. When the squash is cool enough to handle, proceed with the peeling and deseeding and cubing of your gourd. Place in a baking dish and bake till tender. You can add a little orange juice, water, broth?anything to give it a little moisture. Top with a little bit of herbs, too. If you used orange juice, try some cinnamon or nutmeg. If you added water, go with just about anything. If you used broth, a little sage or thyme works well. When the squash is tender, it’s done. Use a fork to smush it into a puree, add a little honey or maple syrup if you cooked it with cinnamon and nutmeg and enjoy?you’ve earned that delicious squash!