Maple Mashed Butternut Squash With Pecans Food

MASHED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Cut off and discard the ends of the squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 3/4 inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the squash is very tender. While roasting, turn the squash once to be sure that it cooks evenly. Do not let it brown.
• Transfer the squash and the pan juices to a large mixing bowl, and mix with an electric mixer until smooth. It should have the consistency of mashed potatoes.
• Season to taste and serve hot. If the squash is too thick, thin it with milk, orange juice or water.

SQUASH CASSEROLE WITH CRUNCHY PECAN TOPPING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Roast the squash cut side up on a baking sheet in preheated oven until the flesh is soft, about 50 minutes. Remove squash from oven and cool, then scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, or bowl of a food processor.
• Meanwhile, prepare the topping by mixing 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in a bowl with the brown sugar and flour until crumbly. Stir in the pecans. Set aside until needed.
• Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 11x7 inch baking dish.
• Beat or process the squash until smooth. Add the eggs, white sugar, half and half, vanilla, salt, and 2 1/2 tablespoons butter; process until well blended. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar topping mixture over the squash.
• Bake squash in preheated oven until topping is lightly brown, about 40 minutes.

MAPLE-ROASTED SQUASH WITH PECANS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Finely chop the leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs and mix with the oil, maple syrup and plenty of seasoning. Toss with the butternut squash on a large baking tray and roast for 20 mins.
• Roughly chop the pecans so they stay pretty chunky. Break the remaining rosemary sprig into shorter sprigs, then scatter with the pecans over the squash, and toss together, turning over the squash wedges. Return to the oven for another 20 mins until the squash is tender and caramelising at the edges. Serve straight away, or at room temperature.

MAPLE MASHED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH PECANS

Steps:

• Puree the squash with the butter and maple syrup until smooth.
• Fold in the chopped pecans.
• Place in a greased casserole.
• Sprinkle the whole pecans on the top of the dish.
• This dish can be refrigerated for up to two days at this point.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes to warm through and lightly toast the whole pecans.

MASHED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cut the ends off the the squash then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and place the squash on a baking sheet cut side up.
• Spread one tablespoon of softened butter on each cut side of the squash, then put one tablespoon of maple syrup into each cavity where the seeds were.
• Roast the squash for about an hour or until the flesh is very soft when pierced with a knife or fork.
• Take the roasted squash out of the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes or until it can be handled without being too hot.
• Once the squash is cool enough, scoop out the flesh with a spoon into a bowl. Add two tablespoons of butter, two tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch salt and mash everything together with a fork until the squash is creamy and there are no lumps.
• Serve the mashed butternut squash in a bowl with a pat of butter and more maple syrup drizzled over the top.

HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH MAPLE BROWN BUTTER

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F and place oven rack in top third. Brush rimmed baking sheet with oil.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in small skillet on medium and cook gently, swirling pan until butter starts to turn golden brown. Add chopped sage and, as soon as butter is evenly browned, transfer to medium bowl and let cool slightly. Once cooled, mash remaining 2 tablespoons butter into browned butter to make paste, then add garlic, maple syrup and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, peel butternut squash and halve lengthwise, then scoop out and discard seeds. Hasselback the squash (see tip below): With sharp knife, make vertical cuts in rounded side of each squash half, 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch apart, being sure to stop at least 1/4 inch from bottom (do not cut all the way through). Place a few small sage leaves and chile slices in slits.
• Season squash with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and brush with some butter mixture. Roast, brushing with butter mixture every 10 min., until tender, 65 to 75 minutes. Serve drizzled with additional syrup if desired.