squash.

i have been thinking about this little squash post for awhile, and have even mentioned it's coming.

alas, the wait is over {if you were even waiting}.

it's fall.

and fall brings in some of my favorite things: winter squash and soup!

here's a sweet little picture of some of the things i have stocked in my pantry right now.

butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, canned pumpkin, roasted red pepper & tomato soup, spicy black bean soup {not pictured: a pie pumpkin, so i can make my own pumpkin!}

i'll start with the soups: Pacific Natural Foods soups.

the roasted red pepper & tomato has been a long time favorite.

also good: butternut squash soup, cashew & carrot, and spicy black bean {tried for the first time yesterday--spicy, but so good! perfect to eat in small amounts to warm the heart & soul.}.  those are all of the ones i've tried--the others also look and sound delicious.

go buy some.

trader joes also makes these same soups-- also delish.

first stop:

pumpkin

i've expressed my true obsession with pumpkin many times.

pumpkin loves:

pumpkin pie yogurt

1/2 cup plain yogurt {unsweetened}

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

add a few drops of stevia {if you're into that. or just use sugar.}

sprinkle on some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger {pumpkin pie spice.}

or just cinnamon.

pumpkin pie oatmeal

pumpkin pie crepes 

{see bottom here}

for those i just add my pumpkin pie yogurt on top {crepes} or mix it in {oatmeal--cook first then mix in and pop back in the microwave for a minute}

pumpkin chocolate chip bread & cookies

and of course...

pumpkin pie Golden Spoon

{get it with graham cracker or cheesecake or solo!!}

pumpkin pie

with fresh whipped cream

--bday, turkey day, and christmas!!--

i like to keep it special.

and maybe one other time.

{oh, and one year we went to cheesecake factory for my bday and i got a piece of pumpkin cheesecake---so good!!! it was like all of the goodness of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one!}

next up:

spaghetti squash

a new favorite as of this year.

i have it 5 times a week.

just follow the cooking instructions on the sticker.

it really tastes like spaghetti!

so far i have mixed it with pasta sauce and teriyaki/asian/ginger sauce & dressing mixture.  i've also eaten it with a smidgen of butter, salt, & pepper. it has a really good taste on it's own, too!

buy it. make it. you won't regret it.

{less calories and so much better for you than actual pasta.

not to mention the health benefits of all in the winter squash family}

then:

butternut squash

i love making {or buying} butternut squash soup.

try this sweet recipe from ina garten, or this one looks really good too. 

the other day i tried to make butternut squash chips with this recipe, but i didn't get them dry enough, so it ended up turning out like a potato i sauteed in a pan {but sweeter and muuuuch healthier}. then i put the leftovers in a salad the next day. SO GOOD.

finally:

acorn squash

i've only had it once.

but tedi and i bought some for 68 cents each the other day. we're making them tonight!

halve 'em and stick 'em in the oven to roast at 350 for about 45 minutes.

i think it's good just like that, but people like to add brown sugar to it.

that's all for now.

send me your favorite recipes and tips for winter squash!