The type of squash you are referring to (butternut) are sometimes referred to as winter squash because they keep well and can be used into the winter months. They need lots of room in the garden for growing if they are crawlers. If space is limited purchase types that say “bush” or “compact.”

The easiest way to eat winter squash is to cut them open in half, scoop out the seeds, place on a baking sheet and bake them in an oven until tender to the fork. Depending on the kind plan around 1 hour baking. Some people put butter in the inside while baking; others put the butter in after it is taken out of the oven. Some people add brown sugar along with the butter but some types of squash are so sweet that you wouldn’t want to add sugar. Butternuts are sweet. You can eat the squash right out of the shell this way.

You can also scoop out cooked squash, mash it up, add butter, egg, sugar, a little salt. Put in a casserole dish and sprinkle with chopped nuts, butter and brown sugar mixed together as a topping. This makes a great holiday dish.

Hope this helps,
Diane