Winter Recipes

It is easier to bake a large squash or pumpkin in the oven. A small two-pound pumpkin, however, cooks faster in a microwave oven. Homemade purées tend to be bright yellow-orange, rather than the orange color of most canned pumpkin. Each squash has its own unique flavor. Makes about 2 cups purée.

Good served with pork roast or baked ham.

Freezes beautifully.

Remember to balance earthy tastes (rutabaga, celeriac, parsnip, brussels sprouts and turnips) with sweet and rich ones like onion, potato, yam, or carrot. Cut harder vegetables into smaller pieces.