Everyday Maven talks Winter Squash

Hey everybody! I am currently recovering from a major sugar high. Have you seen the posts around here lately? Fortunately, I have a fantastic friend, Alyssa from Everyday Maven here to fill in while I get over the shakes. Please give her a big welcome and check out her delicious winter squash suggestions.

Hi Everyone and Happy 12 Weeks of Winter Squash Monday!

My name is Alyssa and I am the Everyday Maven. Everyday Maven is where whole foods meets weight watchers. Simple and delicious everyday recipes for the home cook who wants to keep their food clean and their waistline trim!

Today, I am going to take over for Heather and would love to introduce you to five of my most popular winter squash recipes highlighting Spaghetti Squash, Delicata Squash and Butternut Squash. These are easy to make, family friendly, healthy and most importantly – delicious!

Let’s start with Lasagna Inspired Spaghetti Squash Casserole. A quick family favorite, I was inspired to create this from the comforting lasagnas I grew up eating (and love). This version has everything that is awesome about lasagna but loses the extra carbs and fat that tend to come with it.

If you want to keep it really simple, there is nothing like Delicata Squash. I have often said it is my absolute favorite winter squash and with good reason – these squash are the only ones I will eat roasted plain, without anything but a sprinkle of salt. They are that good. One of my favorite ways to spice them up just a bit is to make Cinnamon + Palm Sugar Roasted Delicata Squash Rings. If you have kids, you need to make them these. They are fun to eat, have crispy edges and tender insides and taste incredible. It is so satisfying to watch your toddler wolf down (relatively plain) squash at the dinner table and ask for more!

While we are talking about Delicata and how amazing it is, it is fitting to share this lightened up holiday classic that has Delicata Squash has a secret, healthy ingredient - Nana’s Sweet Potato Casserole {Lightened Up}. While it’s too late for this year’s Thanksgiving table, this is also the perfect side dish for Christmas!

If you are looking for foolproof dinner that is hearty and healthy, I give you Roasted Spaghetti Squash with White Bean + Mushroom Ragout. Beloved by Vegans and Meat Eaters alike, this filling and flavorful weekday dinner staple is so easy to make, it’s ridiculous.

No squash roundup would be complete without a lovely Squash Soup and that is where this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Leeks comes in. A creamy (Vegan) soup that is comforting and light at the same time finished with a bit of crispy leeks. This is the perfect way to start any winter meal and makes a fabulous lunch alongside a green salad.

Thank you to Heather for hosting me here today and thank you to all of you – her readers – for listening!

Alyssa

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Okay, tell me that every single dish Alyssa shared was not mouthwatering. Right!? I already have a spaghetti squash hangin' out on my counter waiting to be roasted and topped with a savory ragout. Thank you for filling in for me today, Alyssa.