Buttercup Food

BUTTERCUPS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Divide dough in half; wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours or until easy to handle., Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. scalloped cookie cutter. Cut a 1-in. hole in the centers of half of the cookies with a floured cutter. , Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool., Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually add confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve a spreading consistency. , Spread on the bottoms of the solid cookies; top with remaining cookies. Place 1/2 teaspoon preserves in the center of each.

BUTTERCUP SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, melt the butter and cook the onions until tender. Stir in the carrots and jalapeno and toss to coat. Stir in the squash and potato. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender in batches. Return to the pot and stir in the cream. Season to taste and garnish with the sliced scallion and bell pepper.

ROASTED BUTTERCUP SQUASH

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F.
• Toss the squash with the oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until completely coated. Roast, tossing once halfway through, until the squash is tender and browned on the edges, 35 to 45 minutes.

BUTTERCUP SQUASH CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F Cut squash into quarters; remove seeds. In ungreased shallow baking pan, place pieces, cut sides down. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly.
• Spray 1-quart casserole with cooking spray. Scoop squash pulp from skin; place in medium bowl. Discard skin. Add brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and butter to squash. Mix with potato masher or fork until well blended. Spoon into casserole. Sprinkle with chives and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot.