Should Butternut squash be the texture of wood!?

[minko]

I've never had it before but I just got a sweat on trying to cut it up into chunks to put in the steamer. It is very tough. I don't think I'll do it again, I'm surprised I still have all my fingers intact!

Yes, very hard. Much easier to just sling it in the oven, untreated but on a tray cos it drips, and bake it into submissiom. Then slit peel open and scoop out , read-mashed.

do you cut yours in half and scoop the seeds out before you bake it PC? I usually peel and cut it up but it is hard going.

or just whole?

Oh, I knew there'd be a trick to it!!

I halve, scoop out seeds and bake.
When it's really well baked you can eat the skin, too.

hmm, not sure i'd go that far . I like it quite firm, like boiled potato's, yum. Does it take a long time? What temp do you do it at?

180, 40mins-1 hr.

Yes baked is best - for an hour at 190 then scoop out flesh (and if want mash with a little milk/water/unsalted butter.

Can also microwave it as you would a baked potato although the skin won't crisp (which is ok for dc's who probably wont eat the skin, but less nice for adults) - just be really carefull to let it cool properly before feeding small people!

great, thanks. I might do that tonight and try out the skin too.

Whole. Can't remember how long for, but Kathy's post sounds about right. Poke the squash, if gives it's ready.

Sorry having a fuzzy headed moment - i was thinking sweet potato not butternut squash. Follow Kathy's advice (unless you want sweet potato instead - then mine is quite good)

Treat sweet potato in the same way as butternut squash. Both very good baked in their skins.