How to Tame the Hubbard Beast (Squash)

This one is relatively small, compared to the average size for a hubbard squash. I placed it in the sink, washed it off and decided to tackle its demise in the sink, because it seemed more stable in the sink than on the counter.

I used my sturdiest knife and was able to pierce the surface with relative ease, but I could not continue sawing with only the strength of my arms. So I got my household hammer and hammered near the handle on the dull side of the knife blade. I left most of the blade plunged inside the squash, and hammered it all the way around the squash.

It was a very tough job, but I got it open, however roughly. I used this dipper to scoop the seeds out.

You can throw the guts away, or you can clean the seeds, wash them and then dry them with a paper towel.

Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle them with some sea salt and toast them at 350 degrees farenheit until golden brown and crunchy. They are great for snacking.

This is what the tamed beast (cleaned squash) looks like.

Wrap them each in two or three layers of foil, you may like to place them on baking dishes or pans to catch potential drips. Bake them at 350 degrees farenheit until soft. I baked mine about 2 hours.

Then I scooped the pulp out and mashed it some more. I measured it into freezer bags, 2 cups per bag and froze it until I want to use it. It is excellent as a soup base, to thicken and flavor the broth. I also use it in muffins, waffles, cheeseless macaroni and cheese, pumpkin custard. It gets very creamy if you puree it in the food processor. I have even been known to eat pureed winter squash with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and maple syrup or brown sugar.

Apple Cider Waffles

Dry ingredients:
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown rice flour
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to your taste

Measure all dry ingredients, except cornstarch, into the bowl.
Fluff them by whisking them all together.

1 cup Blue Diamond Original Almond milk

1 cup apple cider or apple juice

1 pre-measured serving cup of applesauce, or 1/2 cup of apple sauce from a larger container

Dissolve the cornstarch in the almond milk before adding it to the dry ingredients. Add the cider and the apple sauce.

Just blend it all with a wooden spoon.

Be careful not to over-mix the batter.

Cook them according to the cooking instructions from your waffle maker's manufacterer.

Serve it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and pure maple syrup, or caramel sauce would even be nice, since it is an apple flavored waffle. A cup of black coffee is a fabulous companion to wash the sweetness down.

Note: applesauce replaces oil, and cornstarch replaces eggs in any recipe.

Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 Tablespoon baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups Sugar in the Raw
1 cup crushed pecans (optional)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup Blue Diamond original almond milk
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 can pureed pumpkin (15 oz.)

I crush my nuts in this cute pestle and mortar I got at an Arabic store and I grate my nutmeg with this little rasp I got at the Dollar Tree. I never pay top dollar for kitchen items, because when they break I just toss it out and buy another. Most of the things I get from the Dollar Tree last as long as things I buy elsewhere, for more bucks. What's the point in spending more? I ask you.

1. Use a wire whisk to fluff the dry ingredients until well blended, in a large bowl.
2. Add pecans now, if they are desired.
3. Pour the almond milk into a separate bowl and add the cornstarch and vinegar
4. Add the pumpkin and whisk it gently into the milk mixture.


5. Now gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with your wooden spoon.
6. Let the batter rest on the counter, while you preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Spray the inside of your muffin tin with alcohol free cooking spray and divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups.

8. Bake them until a tooth pick comes out clean, about 20 or 25 minutes.

9. Can you tell what I am thinking? Mmmmmmm, that healthy, light, fat-free, yet tall, sweet, yummy, and fluffy muffin with some plain black coffee is perfect for a light autumn lunch.

Added bonus, muffins are always a winner with my husband and kids, and they do not know they are eating healthy. Mama truely knows best. Heehee.