NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Greetings!
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This week we are getting more butternut squash, a vegetable that has become a Thanksgiving staple, as much as pumpkin is. Today’s recipe will make a great side dish for the holidays. It is a butternut squash gratin. Both savory and sweet – it’s delicious!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH GRATIN
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 Butternut Squash, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ c. chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter
- ½ c. panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
- 1½ oz. Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt all over the squash. In the prepared baking dish, arrange the squash in overlapping layers.
- Pour the broth into the dish.
- Dot the squash with the butter or margarine. Cover tightly with foil and bake 35 minutes, or until a knife pierces through the squash with only slight resistance.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan, oil, thyme, red pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well mixed.
- Uncover the squash and sprinkle evenly with the panko mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes more, or until the crumbs are golden brown. Garnish with thyme sprigs.
BONUS RECIPE
I had a conversation with a member last week at the site, in which we discussed what else could be done with butternut squash, and I mentioned butternut squash oven fries. She seemed insterested, and they really are delicious , so here’s the recipe:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH OVEN FRIES
- 1 small (1-2 lb) butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded, and sliced into “fries”
- 1 tbsp. olive oil (you can use more if needed!)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne powder
- Preheat the oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner if available (placing the fries right on the pan works too!)
- Place the fries into a bowl with the olive oil. Toss until all the fries are coated. Season with the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour the squash onto the baking sheet and evenly spread out so no pieces overlap.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Flip, and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached.
- Helpful Hint: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your squash pieces. If you see browning, you can always flip your fries earlier.
I think you’ll love these dishes. Please enjoy them and have a delicious week!
Best,
Judi