Winter squash reminds me of football players. Not just because they’re both in season right now, but because they’re low in fat, usually large and have really tough skins (yet somehow manage to be pretty sweet on the inside!).

These vegetables are  also incredibly versatile and can be substituted for each other. They’re also high in vitamins and antioxidants… and they’ll keep for weeks if you store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place (I’m not sure football players would like that).

When choosing winter squash, here’s what to look for:
• Firm, hard skin
• Deep rich color (lots of beta-carotene)
• Heavy for it’s size

These are some of the more popular winter squash and a few links to delicious recipes from other fantastic food bloggers:

Acorn Squash

One of the most popular in America. It’s a little bland, which may be why it’s used in so many recipes.

Image from Melissa’s Produce

Banana Squash

These are the huge… really, really huge. Halloween pumpkins can get big and round… these get big and long. When you see cut up slabs of squash in the supermarket, it’s probably one of these.

Buttercup Squash

Dark green, dense and squat, sometimes with a turban on top, these squash are amazingly sweet.

Butternut Squash

A very distinctive squash with a buff-skin and long, straight solid neck and round bottom. Amazing flavor and versatility makes this the perfect all-purpose squash.

Carnival Squash

The party animal in the squash family, these pumpkin-shaped squash are splashed with fall colors and have a sweet potato-like flavor.

Delicata Squash

Yellow or cream colored with dark green strips running down their oblong shape, these squash are easy to peel and are great for filling.

Hubbard Squash

Don’t let the “wart” covered skin keep you from trying this delicious squash in any of its color combinations (orange, blue or slate)!

Kabocha Squash

Also known as Japanese pumpkin, the green, almost square-shaped Kabocha is similar to buttercup squash with a nice sweet flavor.

Spaghetti Squash

Substitute this lovely yellow squash for whole-wheat spaghetti and you’ll save 75-percent of the calories! Available year-round put peaks from early fall through winter.

Growing up, I didn’t eat a lot of rhubarb.

Maybe there wasn’t a lot of rhubarb in West Texas as that time because fruits and vegetables didn’t fly around the world like they do today.

Perhaps Papa Daddy didn’t like rhubarb. Or it might not have been on Aba’s radar screen. Regardless, I found rhubarb late in life and I fell in love.

My favorite way to enjoy rhubarb is, like most people, in a pie. I love this recipe for Perfect Rhubarb Pie because it’s so simple. Tart, but sweet (like me!). I know the recipe looks long and involved, but that’s the fault of the delicious Vodka Crust. Use a refrigerated pie crust, if you prefer.

I’m going to be taking some time off to pursue some other writing projects. I’ll be posting some of my previous recipes with (much) better images. I’ll be checking my email so please leave comments, suggestions and share my recipes (please!).

Thanks for the fun.

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Who said that healthy eating means boring same-old-same-old eating? No! 

Here’s a great way to eat healthy without piling on extra fat or calories: steam your fish in banana leaves!

Wait… you’ve never heard of cooking with banana leaves? In many parts of Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, food is wrapped in banana leaves and then barbecued, baked or steamed. The leaves add a subtle, exotic flavor, unlike parchment paper or foil. Banana leaves are also known as plantain leaves.

Banana leaves are particularly handy when it comes to steaming fish because fillets often fall apart in a steamer. Using the banana leaves not only helps the fillets keep their shape, but if you add vegetables, you’ve got a meal in a packet. Handy-dandy, wouldn’t you say? Click here for the recipe.

You can find banana leaves in ethnic markets or large supermarkets and they are usually frozen. You can also  order online here.

Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves is a great “first recipe” if  you’ve never cooked with banana leaves. Get creative! Substitute chopped chicken, beef or pork for the fish and add whatever veggies you have on hand. The cooking time will change, so adjust the recipe as needed.

Chermoula is the most delicious sauce you’ve never tasted.

Born in Morocco, this somewhat spicy, lemony sauce goes well with everything: fish, chicken, grilled meats… even veggies. Learn more about this delicious condiment and, of course, how to make Chermoula. Click here to get the recipe!