Let’s Cook Winter Squash in the Microwave Oven

Winter squash cooks beautifully right in its own skin in the microwave oven. The procedure is like baking a potato in that the outer skin is punctured to let steam escape and then cooked on Full Power for 6-7 minutes per pound of squash. Remember, cooked squash freezes well, so take advantage of this time saving technique during these crisp cool autumn months.

1. Wash and dry squash. Weigh the squash.

2. Puncture several holes with fork tines or paring knife in     the squash to allow steam to escape.

3. Place squash in flat microwave-safe dish. (Like a glass     pie plate)

4. Microwave on Full Power 6 to 7 minutes per pound,     turning squash over halfway through cooking time. If     steam builds up in the squash and you hear a sizzle,     puncture the squash again with a fork or paring knife.

5. Wrap in clean terry cloth dishtowel and let stand at     least 10 minutes.

6. Cut open squash. Clean out the seeds.

7. Put squash pulp in mixing bowl.

8. Mash squash with potato masher and use in recipes as     desired or season to taste with butter, salt and pepper.