Roasted Butternut Squash (2x)

Transform your dinner with these two simple recipes.
PREP TIME: 40 MINUTES
SERVING SIZE: six
INGREDIENTS
For Maple Mashed Squash
- 2 butternut squash, 2-3 lbs each (or 4 small)
- olive or other vegetable oil for roasting
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, allspice)
- 1/4 cup milk, coconut milk, or apple cider
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
- 2 tablespoons butter
- seasoning as desired (garlic salt, garlic pepper, mixed herbs)
DIRECTIONS
Prepare Squash
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Pierce squash all around with kitchen scissors or knife
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes per squash
- Slice top and bottom of squash
- With sharp heavy knife, carefully cut squash in half lengthwise
- Scoop out pulpy center and seeds, saving seeds if desired for roasted squash seeds
- Place squash halves on baking pan lined with foil or parchment paper
- Drizzle oil on cut sides of squash, then turn squash cut side down on baking pan
- Roast in oven for 1 hour until squash is tender when pierced with a fork
For Maple Mashed Squash
- Scoop flesh from 2 halves of the roasted squash into serving bowl
- Add maple syrup, spices, desired liquid, and pepper and mash together
- Add chopped nuts if desired or sprinkle over mashed squashed
For Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
- Slip skin from 2 halves of the roasted squash
- Cut into small cubes
- In serving bowl, toss with butter and seasonings until butter is melted
BONUS RECIPE: Roasted Squash Seeds
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
- LIne a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
- After removing the seeds from the squash, place in a bowl and cover with water
- Remove any strings and bits of squash
- Drain, pat dry, and place in a small bowl
- Stir 1 tsp olive oil into the seeds until evenly coated
- Spread out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet
- Sprinkle with salt (and other seasonings if you wish)
- Bake 10-15 minutes or until you hear the seeds begin to pop
- Cool & enjoy!