Anyone that knows me probably knows that butternut squash is one of my favorite foods.
I like it in ravioli, on salads, on my pizza, as a soup, and even in my smoothies.
But what about just a good ole pan of roasted butternut squash?
I am remembering a conversation I had with someone a few months ago… When I asked if they wanted some butternut squash, they replied, “no thanks, I don’t really like butternut squash.”
I ask them why, and they replied, “I don’t know, I just haven’t really ever had it.”
Hmmm…
If you haven’t really ever had it, then how do you know?
Y’all, my dear friends, you just have to try it. Try it once, and if you don’t like it, that’s just fine with me.
But you have to try it before you can not like it.
One of the things I like most about butternut squash is that while it is naturally sweet, it is also high in fiber and low in calories. It is also full of antioxidants, rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, and it is rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Oh, and if you can get past the cutting and peeling, it is super easy to cook.
If you can’t get past that, there’s still a way. Both Trader Joe’s AND Costco sell butternut squash in little packages and it is already peeled and cubed for you. You literally just have to throw it on a pan and roast it. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Alright, so why sage?
I have been experimenting with flavor contrast lately (something I learned in culinary school) and I was just ready to try something new. We love sage around here, especially in stuffing and in sausage, but I wanted to experiment with it in a new way. I felt like the rich and savory flavor of sage would pair well with a sweet a delicate counterpart.
And I am trying to use up all my honey before my baby starts eating real food.
So that’s how this honey sage butternut was born.
It couldn’t have been more simple. I tossed the squash in olive oil, sprinkled it with salt and age, and roasted it. I removed it from the oven and drizzled honey on top, then I stuck it back in the oven for about 5 minutes to let it brown.
Y’all… so good.
Seriously, even if you *think* you don’t like butternut squash, just try it! You can always feed it to your cat… or your husband… or some other living creature.
But you won’t need to… because you will love it.