Maple Braised Butternut Squash With Fresh Thyme Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper; divide between 2 ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Roast 35-45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking., In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and, if desired, pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Add leeks; cook and stir 3-4 minutes longer or until tender. Stir in maple syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until syrup is slightly reduced., Place squash in a large bowl. Add red peppers and leek mixture; toss to combine.

MAPLE BUTTERCUP SQUASH

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F.
• Toss the squash with the butter, thyme, 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 just tender and beginning to brown on the edges, about 30 minutes.
• Remove the squash from the oven, drizzle with the maple syrup and toss to coat. Continue to roast until the squash is tender and browned all over and the syrup is beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes more.

MAPLE-BRAISED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH FRESH THYME

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large deep skillet over high heat. Add squash; sauté 1 minute. Add broth, syrup, thyme, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook until squash is almost tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer squash to large bowl. Boil liquid in skillet until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Return squash to skillet. Cook until tender, turning occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with more pepper, if desired.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BRAISED WITH CREAM AND FRESH THYME

Steps:

• Cover the squash with a generous amount of salted water in a large saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
• Drain well.
• In a slow cooker, combine the squash, butter, onions, garlic, cream and salt and pepper.
• Set the cooker on low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, adding the fresh thyme in the last hour of cooking.
• When the squash is tender, turn off the slow cooker.
• This dish can sit for an hour or two before serving.