How to Prepare a Winter Squash

Published on Friday, December 11, 2009, by CHOW Video Team / Edit Post

How to Prepare a Winter Squash

7×7 Associate Editor Jessica Battilana is concerned for your fingers. She advises against hacking away at hard, thick-skinned winter squash. Instead, pierce the squash with the tip of a knife and cook it in the microwave for a short time to soften it. Then it’s ready for whatever squash recipe you have in mind.

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  • Butternut squash is a family favorite and I will use your tip on the next one I bake. Do you have any ideas on various spices that might enhance the taste of a baked squash as a flavor variety? We use butter, salt and pepper.

  • So true! Works like a charm. You can also put the cooked squash in a bowl and cover for a short time afterward; the steam will help to loosen the skin even more. (And it's usually best to let them cool off some before peeling anyways.)
    We make lots of Butternut Squash Soup at our deli; for larger amounts (or larger squashes), you can still pierce and leave 'em whole, then cook in the oven in an...+READ

    So true! Works like a charm. You can also put the cooked squash in a bowl and cover for a short time afterward; the steam will help to loosen the skin even more. (And it's usually best to let them cool off some before peeling anyways.)
    We make lots of Butternut Squash Soup at our deli; for larger amounts (or larger squashes), you can still pierce and leave 'em whole, then cook in the oven in an iron pan for an hour.-COLLAPSE