How To Cook Butternut Squash

Learning how to cook butternut squash is a cinch, if you have the right tools. The best way to get a tender and savory butternut squash is to bake it in the oven. This will leave minimal cleanup and produce a delicious squash to enjoy.

To cook butternut squash, you will need:

• butternut squash
• baking sheet
• salt
• pepper

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To make sure the oven is evenly hot, let it preheat for about 15 minutes.
2. Cut the butternut squash in half. Using a cutting board and a large knife will make this task simple. If the squash is very hard, a mallet can be used to drive the knife into the squash.
3. Remove seeds with a large spoon. The middle of the butternut squash should be hollow, like a cantaloupe. Rinsing it will insure that no seeds are left behind.
4. Season the cut side of the butternut squash with salt and pepper. Season it as you would season any of your other produce, to taste. For those who like their squash sweet, brown sugar and cinnamon can be used instead.
5. Place the cut side down on to baking sheet, and place it in the oven. It is best if you place it on the middle rack. That will allow the butternut squash to cook more evenly.
6. Bake the squash for about 30 minutes. Some times it may take longer. It is done when a fork can easily be stuck through it.
7. Scoop the squash out of the skin and enjoy it. The squash can also be blended in a blender after cooking. Blending it gives it a smoother, creamier consistency.

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/wsquash1.html