Cooking Fall & Winter Squash and Gourds

 
Fall & Winter squash can be intimidating, but this traditional fall side dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. Containing nutrients our bodies often lack during a starch laden season, the rich flavor and smooth texture of winter squash satisfies all cold weather cravings.
 
Read on as we break down the best way to prepare each winter squash Caraluzzi’s offers. We’re sharing the secrets… but you don’t have to! Let everyone be impressed.
 

Turban Squash

Peel and cut into serving size pieces. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Combine ¼ cup of honey, 2 tbs. of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ a teaspoon of nutmeg. Drizzle over squash pieces and bake for an additional 30 minutes or more.
 

Acorn Squash, Sweet Dumpling, White Acorn & Golden Acorn

Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and the strings. Place cut side down in a baking dish, filled with a small amount of water (just enough to allow the squash to retain moisture when baking). Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until tender and can be pierced easily with a fork. Fill the cavity with butter, brown sugar, pecans, salt, and pepper or any other nuts and spices you desire. Serve hot.
 

Kabacha

Cut in half and remove seeds. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until tender. Scoop out meat and mix with butter, salt, pepper and any seasonings you may want, such as salt or pepper. Mash until smooth and fluffy.
 

Golden Hubbard & Baby Blue Hubbard

Cut squash into big pieces. Boil in salted water for 15 minutes. Drain and sprinkle with pepper. Serve pieces topped in a homemade cream. Make cream by combining 1 medium onion, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of sour cream, ¼ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of dill seed.;
 

Golden Nugget

The golden nugget can be cooked in the microwave. Cut in half and remove seeds. Cover with wax paper and heat on high for 8 minutes. Allow to cool 2-3 minutes and then heat 9 minutes more or until tender. Scoop out cooked meat and mash then season with butter, salt and pepper.
 

Carnival Squash

The carnival squash can be cooked in the microwave whole. Pierce the skin of the carnival squash with a knife in several places. Cook on high 6-8 minutes per pound. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut in half, remove seeds fill cavity with butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Also try cooked sausage, pecans or walnuts.
 

Sugar Pumpkin

You can cook a sugar pumpkin in the same way you would cook a golden hubbard or an acorn squash. Once your pieces are cooked, mash or purée in a food processor. Use as an ingredient in any recipe to replace canned pumpkin. Don’t forget to save the seeds to roast for a healthy snack!
 

Roasting Winter Squash Seeds

Roast the seeds of any winter squash for a homemade snack that’s full of nutrients.
 
Remove the stringy pulp from seeds and allow them to soak for a bit. Soaking helps make it easier to separate the pulp and the seeds. After soaking, dry seeds thoroughly with a paper towel. Toss in olive oil and whatever seasoning your heart desires. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit from 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir seeds on the tray throughout the baking process to ensure even coating, approximately every 7 minutes.
 
Eat just as you would sunflower seeds, using your teeth to separate and discard the hard outer shell.