Caramelized Butternut Squash

Caramelized Butternut Squash

Apparently computers don't like to be dropped on the floor.  Twice.  Once by David.  A month later by me.  We sound like a pair of butter fingers. 

What a pair we make - 21 years on Thursday.  They say married couples start to look and dress and sound and do things alike.  Well, that doesn't hold true for cooking alike.  David and I had a bake off of butternut squash.  Mine, of course, was covered in butter and brown sugar.  His was savory with olive oil and a ton of other spices.  Guess which recipe won the family taste test 4:1?  Butter and brown sugar always win (it also doesn't hurt to have Barefoot Contessa on your side).  

Ingredients:

• 2 medium butternut squash (4-5 pounds total) - you can also purchase already cubed butternut squash
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 400.

Cut off and discard the ends of each butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize. While roasting, turn the squash a few times with a spatula, to be sure it browns evenly. Taste for seasonings and serve hot (it also tastes good the next day mixed with pasta and cubed, grilled chicken).

Happy Anniversary Big D!