Yummy Butternut Squash!!

 

 

Nothing says Fall like a Butternut Squash.......well maybe an Apple Cider Donut does too, but lets keep it healthy today!!!!  We all know how beautiful a Winter Squash looks in a Fall Scene in the center of our tables, but do we know how good they are for our health when we eat them and how easy they are to prepare???

Butternut Squash looks a little like a giant cream colored stretched out pear to me and they taste sweet and a little nutty at the same time.  But did you know how healthy they are for you??  Open one up and you will see a beautiful orange-yellow hue.....like a summer sunset....O.K...a little too much Alison!!!  Anyway, did you know that Butternut Squash is an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of Beta Carotene.  Just eating a small serving can provide most of us with all the Vitamin A we need for the day.  Just one cube is packed with 195% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin A for women.   Pretty good...right??  Vitamin A comes in handy for good eye health and a healthy immune system.   Also, did you know that a large portion of this Vitamin A comes from Beta Carotene (AKA Carotenoids).......gets a little confusing, I know!!   But if you can take away anything....know this....studies have shown that Beta Carotene is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing lung cancer and may also help reduce the risk of breast cancer and skin damage caused by UV rays.   Butternut Squash is also a great source of Vitamin C and Potassium.  Just one cup of butternut squash has more Potassium than one banana!!

Here is a very simple and quick recipe to get all you NEWBIES started:

Take 2 Butternut Squash and cut them in half lengthwise and clean out the seeds (don't throw out seeds!!....I'll give you another tip for them).

1. Place the squash on a baking sheet with the beautiful orange side facing up.
2. Place 1 teaspoon of light butter (or regular if you like) in the middle of each half you cut.
3. Now sprinkle each piece with brown sugar, cinnamon (if you like), salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F. 

Easy!!!!! And your family will think you rock!!!!!

Now the seeds.....packed with some protein and good for your heart fats... can make a healthy and delicious snack.
Here's how you do it:

1. Clean the seeds with water and remove any of the squash strings.
2. Pat them dry and put them in a bowl.
3. Add a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Salt and mix them well.
4. Now spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 20 minutes at 275 degrees F.  Yum, Yum!!!

I hope you all enjoy!!!!  Stay tuned....next we will talk turkey!!!