MY FAVORITE WINTER SQUASH RECIPES

Butternut and acorn squashes are great, but do yourself a favor.  Buy some hubbard or buttercup squash when you can.  You may pay more, but the flavor difference is so worth it.  Hubbard and buttercup squashes are darker orange in color inside, and flavors are more defined and intense.

SAVORY:

1. Caramelized Onion Winter Squash Mash  -- This has my highest rating because the flavors blend so beautifully.  The recipe yields two servings, but you can double or triple it if you have a larger family.

2. Fantastic Fennel Pumpkin Soup – Thick and creamy, but with no cream used, it’s flavored with mushrooms and shaved Parmesan in addition to the fennel.  This is my absolute favorite pumpkin soup.

3. James Beard’s Pumpkin Soup –  Less is more with this soup.  Few ingredients are needed to bring out the creamy texture and mild taste of winter squash.  I love this soup.

4. Pumpkin Crab Soup --   Creamy and full of pumpkin and crab flavors, this is a delicious meal in itself.

5. Better Homes and Gardens Pumpkin Soup -- This one has more vegetables, just a bit of cream, and a wonderful flavor that will satisfy any pumpkin soup lover. 

6. Creamy Delicata Squash – Flavored with nutmeg, parsley and mint, then topped with your choice of buttered crumbs or grated Parmesan, this one is a crowd pleaser that will prompt a request for the recipe.

SWEET:

7. Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip-Streusel Muffins -- A very moist, modestly spiced, sweet pumpkin muffin studded with bittersweet chocolate chips and topped with a brown-sugar-cinnamon-pecan crumble -- in short, an over-the-top muffin that is sure to be your favorite.

8. Traditional Pumpkin Pie -- This is one delicious pie – light, yet rich and creamy, with just enough sweetness and subtle spices to bring out the flavors of pumpkin and sweet potato.

9. Better Homes and Gardens Pumpkin Pie -- This ranks a close second to #7 above. 

And there you have it, nine of my best and highest-rated pumpkin recipes.  I’ll be adding to them throughout the coming year.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy.