Monday, October 26, 2009

I Love Butternut Squash Fries

I'm squash obsessed. I went to Trader Joe's today and bought 2 spaghetti squash, 2 butternut squash and 2 acorn squash. I couldn't pass up the incredibly cheap prices on their squash. Plus they are huge! I used to make my butternut squash chopped into big pieces with skin, and roast with cinnamon and salt & pepper. Then I started to notice people peeling their squash. Well I never thought of that one! So I used a potato peeler to peel the skin. Wow was it tough. I missed the squash at one point and peeled part of my thumb. It was awful! So since then I was scared to peel squash. So you know what I did? I was having my MOM peel it for me. I'm such a nice daughter. LOL. Well I finally came over that fear and finally did it on my own again, taking my time to peel it very slowly. I'd like to announce no peeled fingers this time around. PHEW! Which I then cut into "fry" shape and baked up. Yes I made butternut squash fries. You have to try these! I can guaranteed no left overs because they are that good!  

Baked Butternut Squash Fries By Fallon  
Ingredients
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into "fry" shape
Olive oil
Sprinkle of cinnamon, salt and pepper
Organic ketchup

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. With your olive oil, spray a cooking sheet so the fries don't stick. I finally purchased the Misto and I love it! Next take the squash and cut it in half between the round part and the straight part. This will help with peeling. With your peeler, slowly peel the skin off, sometimes going over the same spot twice to remove all the white part. A little left is okay, cooking it will soften it. Hey it's a little extra fiber too. ;)

Cut the pieces in half, for the round part you will want to scoop out the seeds and either discard or save them to toast them up. I saved mine and made toasted cinnamon butternut squash seeds (recipe below, very easy.)! Cut into a "fry" shape. This part takes some time because there is so much squash that needs to be cut. I'd say it took me about 10 minutes to do. Place side-by-side on a greased cooking sheet so they can cook evenly.

Next sprinkle on cinnamon, salt and pepper. Than spray with olive oil again on top to coat. This will help them form a slightly crisp layer, and not be mushy. Let bake for 20 minutes and then toss them again to coat the other sides. Then put back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. They should look done when they are slightly brown but not overly burnt. Take out of the oven, cool off for a few minutes, plate them, add ketchup and ENJOY! The flavor of the cinnamon makes a great addition to the butternut squash because it brings out the natural sweetness. Which is why there are never any leftovers!

Out of the oven, ready to be devoured
 

 
Toasted Cinnamon Butternut Squash Seeds By Fallon
Ingredients
Butternut squash seeds
Olive oil 
Cinnamon, salt and pepper

While the oven was preheating I sprayed a smaller baking sheet for the seeds. I added the seeds to the oven to toast while I was cutting my butternut squash. After about 10-15 minutes they were done because I was could smell them and hear them sizzling. Once they are out of the oven, sprinkle on the seasonings and drizzle/spray lightly with olive oil so they can adhere. Mix around and let cool for a few minutes. Then ENJOY! I would of loved to save these for a salad but between my father and I we again had no leftovers. :)


Crunchy, sweet and savory!

Fallon

6 comments:

Robin said...

Ok I always buy my butternut squash chunks from Trader Joe's so that I DON'T have to peel it but after seeing those seeds I think I will have to buy the whole fruit, peel it, make fries and toasted seeds! Great post Fallon!

Fallon said...

Thank you! I think you'll enjoy the whole fruit and doing all the prep work by yourself because the end result is delicious! It is worth all the extra work.

Ashley said...

I haven't thought to try making butternut fries!! I have been hooked on sweet potato fries for awhile now...YUM, those look so good! I made some sweet/salty pumpkin seeds tonight..they'll be on the blog soon! =)

Unknown said...

Peeling a butternut squash is no small task - but I agree it's worth it! And I've peeled many a finger, believe me.

I've got an acorn squash downstairs waiting to be baked - maybe I'll see if it's peel-able and turn it into fries!

Anonymous said...

ah fallon those fries look tremendous!!!!! i needddd to try this prontoo

Fallon said...

Peeling fingers is not fun at all!

I've never tried to do acorn squash fries! Let me know if it works out for you. I have 4 chilling my kitchen that I'll need to bake up soon.