10°f, about -12°C, slight overcast. Yesterday we had snow flurries most of the day, then the sun came out late afternoon.
I decided to tackle some of the butternut squash yesterday. We have a full bushel of them and that's after we have eaten a few and given away several. My goal yesterday was to get some of them cooked, mashed and into the freezer so they would be easier to use.
But. Have you ever tried to cut a butternut? It's difficult and scary---one almost thinks a first aid kit should be handy, and as one person said maybe have a chain saw and axe on hand too!
So I did a quick search and found a hack (pun intended): simply stick the squash in the microwave for 3 minutes. That softens up the inside enough to make cutting much easier.
Then scooped out the innards, bagged and vacuum-sealed. I ended up with 4 bags, each one enough for a side dish or recipe. I can use these to make pie too, as butternut can easily substitute for pumpkin.
While the squash was cooking, I canned beans again. I think this is the last of those gallon cans. These are kidney beans and pork 'n beans.
It was a good day all round. Larry went to his appointments and I had the house to myself so I finally tried out the watercolor kit I bought last summer. The result isn't very good, but it was fun and relaxing.
Today we are off to do a little shopping. Have a nice Saturday!
Your watercolor looks good to me. You have some talent.
ReplyDeleteWell, tbe book gives step by step instructions, AC, so it would be hard to mess up!
Delete...I need to this "hack," handling butternut squash isn't my favorite activity.
ReplyDeleteRight? I put off using them because they are just too hard to cut. This certainly helped.
DeleteA substitute for pumpkin? Isn't butternut a type pumpkin?
ReplyDeleteWell, o. Australia and New Zealand it is called pumpkin, Angie, but it is a variety of winter squash.
DeleteButternut squash (and some of the other winter squash are indeed difficult to cut. I'll have to remember the microwave trick.
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled to find it, June. The older I get the harder the squashes seem!
DeleteIf that's your painting on the right, I'd say you're quite good! Watercolor is difficult to handle. And those butternuts: bushels. Really? How fortunate are you.
ReplyDeleteThe workbook gave step by step instructions, so it was pretty simple. I have always wanted to try painting, and this is a simple way to kinda ease into it.
ReplyDeleteYes, the garden produced an abundance of butternuts again this year. I was determined to find an easier way to deal with them.
I like that bird. A lot. And thanks for the squash trick. I am with you on the terror with the sharp knife bit, so cooking them down some is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a simple thing I wonder why I never thought of it!
DeleteI love your watercolor!! and it's perfect timing, as my bluebirds returned yesterday :)
ReplyDeleteOh nice! My son Derek has gotten into birdwatching lately and was so excited to have a bluebird show up at his feeder.
DeleteI got so excited about your painting I forgot to thank you for the squash tip. I grow mostly candy roasters for winter squash, in part because they are easier to cut than butternuts. Maybe this year I'll plant both - I do love cutting into a homegrown squash in the middle of february and getting a whiff of the summer past :)
ReplyDeleteI should try candy roasters. Everyone raves about them.
DeleteI have extra seed from 2024 - may I send you a few to try? I know I've got more than I need!
DeleteThat would be lovely! Thank you.
Delete