Wintertime is Squash Time!

It's the middle of winter and comfort food gets my tastebuds working! I love winter squash--all the varieties, but I find my favorite to be butternut.  It roasts easily in the oven and can be used for any recipe calling for squash or pumpkin. We have started receiving produce shipment bi-weekly delivered to our door from Imperfect Product.  www.imperfectproduce.com   or Ugly Produce as most people describe their fresh products.  Our last box contained a butternut squash.  In a effort to make the roasted squash more interesting, I came up with the following recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Pears 1 – 1 ½ pounds butternut squash 2 T olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 small fresh pear, diced, peeled or not 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary 1 – 2 tsp curry powder 2 T heavy cream Salt & pepper to taste Cut the squash in half lengthwise.  Remove seeds.  Brush cut edge with oil.  Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.  Places squash cut side down on the sheet.  Roast at 425 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a knife.  Remove from the oven and let cool enough to handle.  Scoop out cooked squash and set aside. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add onion, pear, rosemary and saute until the onion is soft.  Add curry powder and stir to coat the onions and pears. Add the roasted butternut squash and cream.  Stir until completely mixed.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Continue to heat on low until serving temperature is reached.  Makes 4 servings plus or minus depending on the size of the squash. Nutritional Information per serving: Calories 143 CHO 12 grms Protein 0 grms Fat 11 grms Fiber grms My husband, who I experiment on all the time, said this recipe was worth writing down.  I thought it was a keeper too.  The flavor of the roasted squash comes through but the seasonings give it a bit more interest, the pears a bit of sweetness and the cream--that comfort food touch. Imperfect Produce is a great idea and service.  Their mission is to divert produce that doesn't make it to store shelves to people who will eat i, resulting in less food waste.  Their products either don't pass the "appearance" test or are surplus.  Either way, their produce is fresh and tasty and is delivered to your door (in certain cities.)