Delicata Squash - Try This Next Time!!!

Considered to be a novelty winter squash, I am sure many of you have seen them in the local grocer and easily over looked it.

It is that long oblong-shaped squash with a cream colored, green striped thick outer skin and a golden fine-textured inner flesh. The squash can range in size from 5 to 10 inches and average between one and two pounds.

Delicata squash is actually one of the tastier winter squash varieties and has a nice mild taste with a creamy pulp that is similar to sweet potatoes.

It can easily be used as a substitute for butternut squash or buttercup squash or sweet potato in recipes.

When purchasing look for small, firm squash with bright yellow or orange skins that have green veins branching like lightning through them.

When preparing cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and slice into thin half-moons. Peeling of the skins is optional.

The squash can be cooked the following ways:

• Oven: Bake at 350 degrees until knife soft. Because of their sweetness no additional sugar or sweetner should be needed.
  
  
• Microwave: Place squash in a large glass baking dish or microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup broth (or water). Cover tightly and microwave on High for 10 minutes.
  
  
• Sauté: Melt 2 teaspoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add squash slices; cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in a pinch of grated nutmeg before serving.
  
  
• Steam: Place squash slices in a steamer basket over 1 inch of water in a large pot set over high heat. Cover and cook until tender, about 6 minutes.