Martha Monday--Butternut squash

One thing I've noticed through MarthaStewart.com and Everyday Food is the focus on one ingredient as a base for an entire meal.  They pick a vegetable, explain the different varieties and then present 12+ ways to prepare it in a dish.  In the September issue of Everyday Food, the "In Season" feature is tomatoes.  On MarthaStewart.com, a current focus is butternut squash, pumpkins and apples.

I had gotten some yummy butternut squash from my uncle (shout out to Uncle Rich!) but I had no idea how to cook it or what to do with it.  I simply steamed the first squash and added butter, which was fine. But true to my Martha-in-training objectives, I really wanted to take this veggie out for a spin.  So I consulted Martha...her butternut squash gallery gave me to great possibilities:

#1 Butternut squash with sage

#2 Butternut squash with brown butter

In the end, I couldn't decide so I came up with a combination of both recipes.  I simmered/steamed the chunks in butter and a bit of water, and when they were almost fork-tender, I added brown sugar. Once it was done cooking, I topped it with a small amount of sage.

It was so good! I wish I had some more so I could try the mac&cheese and risotto recipes with butternut squash.  This veggie will definitely have a place in my garden, whenever I manage to get one started.

Happy Monday, everyone!