2016 is indeed a NEW YEAR! And I am embracing all things new this year with open arms! I have already tried many new things this year, such as speed biking with my husband, foam rolling and stretching on a more regular basis, and trying out new recipes to share with you all! While my New Year journey thus far has been nothing short of an awakening, perhaps my most favorite "new thing of 2016" is tasting new recipes and I think I have found my most favorite recipe to date! While I cannot take credit for this new recipe, I am very eager to share it with you today!
New Year Recipe Feature: Baked Butternut Squash Casserole
One of the best things about marrying my husband over two years ago (besides the obvious), was buying our first home together and moving next door to the SWEETEST neighbor I could have ever asked for! Margie is more than my next door neighbor - she is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and wise women I have ever met and I am so lucky to live next door to her and to be able to call her a friend. I am also extremely lucky that Margie is an excellent cook and that she has been kind enough to invite me over for a meal every now and then - especially when she makes the most delicious casserole dishes I have ever had!
Margie invited me over for dinner with her mother and her daughter's family one night last week and I was so excited to finally meet her mother and to catch up with Margie's daughter, but little did I know what was filling the house with the most delicious aroma! When Margie removed the "culprit" casserole from the oven, I was blown away by the appearance and fragrance and immediately asked her for the recipe.
So here it is! (Spoiler alert!! - it is super easy to make and only requires 4 ingredients and 45 minutes to bake!
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6 as a side)
- 12 oz peeled and cubed butternut squash (She used Trader Joe's prepared 12-0z bag)
- 1 Granny Smith apple (peeled and diced)
- 1/3 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 F and spray a casserole dish with Olive Oil spray.
- Place butternut squash, apples, and cranberries in a large mixing bowl, pour Olive Oil over and toss to mix well.
- Place mixture in casserole dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 45 minutes.
- Enjoy!
It is seriously that easy to prepare and bake! Margie served the casserole with baked tilapia and zucchini noodles with pesto sauce (which was an amazing combination), but you can serve this side dish with any lean protein and non-starchy vegetable or as a main dish for Meatless Monday!
The only thing better than this Baked Butternut Squash Casserole was the company! So let's be thankful for good food and even better family and friends!
Happy Sunday, friends! Have a wonderful week ahead!