Freezing Winter Squash the Lazy Way

 

There are many ways to put up winter squash, some of which involve peeling, cubing, boiling and all manner of pains in the neck.

However, many moons ago I stumbled upon an easier way to do it, which requires minutes of prep and very little final work.

First I give the squash a nice scrub. We like butternuts best and acorn second best so that is what we use. Then I place the squashes on a foil lined oven sheet and poke several holes in them with a fork so as to let the steam escape.

Next step is to stick them in the oven at either 325 or 350 and cook until tender.

Let them cool enough to handle comfortably, slice in half, scoop out and discard the innards (if we have pigs they get them and love them or else into the compost bin they go).

Then scoop out the good part with a spoon, mash, and freeze in plastic freezer bags or containers.

It's that easy. I used to dread doing squash. Now I do an oven full every few days and soon have enough for the whole winter.

Later, when the cold winter winds are howling and a hot, fragrant, nutty-sweet dish of squash is desired.... I just put it in an oven safe bowl, add butter and a little maple syrup, cuz we love it, and either bake or microwave. 

It is so good!