Squash

The new Squash ornaments from Old World this year are the Acorn and Butternut Squash. Both are very beautiful and realistic looking ornaments.

Decorate your Thanksgiving table with a cornucopia filled with squashes, vegetable and nut ornaments. Use wood wool or Spanish Moss as a filler to cushion the ornaments and let them just spill out on the center of the table.

Here's a great recipe from Southern Living using the Butternut and Acorn squash. Beautiful dish for your Thanksgiving  table.

• 1  (2- to 3-lb.) butternut squash
• 1  (2- to 3-lb.) spaghetti squash
• 1  (1- to 2-lb.) acorn squash
• 1/4  cup  butter
• 2  tablespoons  honey
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash in half lengthwise, and remove seeds. Place squash, cut sides up, on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Microwave butter and honey at HIGH 1 minute or until melted; stir until blended. Brush cut sides of squash with butter mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until tender; let stand 10 minutes. Cut into large pieces and serve.

Now, if you live in the south, here's a recipe that you will find on Sunday dinner tables in the summertime!

Squash Casserole

• 2  pounds  yellow squash, sliced (frozen will work also)
• 3/4  cup  chopped onion
• 1  tablespoon margarine or butter
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1  cup milk
• 3/4  cup  (3 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/2  cup  soft breadcrumbs, toasted or crushed saltines

Cook squash and onion in a small amount of boiling water 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Drain; set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Melt margarine in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add milk; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; add cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts. Add squash mixture; stir well.

Spoon squash mixture into a shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle squash mixture evenly with breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly heated.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to gather an entire garden of "vegetables!"