THIS IS ONE OF THE SIMPLEST RECIPES FOR SQUASH. YOU CAN USE ANY TYPE OF WINTER SQUASH, JUST ADJUST THE COOKING TIME IF YOU HAVE A SMALLER VARIETY. THIS BASIC MASHED VEGETABLE CAN BE SWEETENED WITH HONEY, MAPLE SYRUP OR BROWN SUGAR AND EATEN AS A SIDE, OR ADDED TO SOUPS, BREADS, CAKES, AND CASSEROLES FOR A BOOST OF BETA CAROTENE. BUTTERNUT CAN ALSO BE PEELED, CUBED, AND THEN STEAMED, BAKED OR BOILED. IT'S VERY POPULAR IN SOUP.

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds (save these to bake later if you'd like). Place on a cookie sheet cut side up. Put cookie sheet in preheated oven. Add ½ cup water to pan. Bake for 30-60 minutes, until fork-tender.

3. Allow squash to cool, then scoop into a large bowl. Mash to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are popular additions too.