I’ve been toying with the idea of a video post for some time and today I took the leap. No Laughing! ;~P
Use this technique to make Butternut Squash Fries!
Disclaimer: By watching this video you agree that I am NOT responsible for any injuries you might incur using my butternut squash cutting technique.
Not that I think you would, but nowadays you never know!
Brandi
I decided to brave the world of cooking with squash this winter and randomly remembered you posting this video forever ago. First butternut squash = SUCCESS!! thanks for your awesome tips!!
Mark
One thing I forgot to mention: I use a super-sharp ceramic knife to cut these, as well as other winter type squashes, rutabagas, and anything really hard. Makes it SO much easier!
Mark
This is the same way I've been cutting them for quite a while. I just sort of figured out what would be the easiest way logically on my own. A few differences and additions though: 1) I cut the bulb before taking the seeds out; it makes this job easier. 2) I never peel this squash. What a waste of good nutrients and fiber to just throw the peel in the garbage, and it adds a nice texture to the chunks after steaming. 3) Then, to cook them, I always steam them, on the stove or the microwave, taking care not to overcook because they get mushy quickly. 4) Rather than tossing the seeds and pulp in the garbage, I usually eat them raw, while the squash is cooking. Very good, nutritious, and I suspect, the seeds are full of vitamin E, and nothing has been degraded or lost because of heating!
roni
I eat the skin now too!!
Never tried the seeds raw. Will do that next time. 🙂
Ellie
Yep, I watched the video. It's just, I'm not kidding, I was worried I was going to break the knife in half it was that hard as I was struggling to cut it in half. I even had my father come in and try and he could barely get the blade to move into the flesh (and he's an ex-football player). Admittedly, it looked effortful in your video when you did it but it didn't look quite that bad so I was wondering if I had missed something or if there was some hint you could give me. I'll try cooking it a few minutes next time or maybe have the people at the grocery store see if they can cut in half in the back before I take it home.
roni
Did you watch my video? I just have a technique to make it a little easier but I always do it raw. It is a tough job! Cooking it slightly may work but I've never tried it.
Ellie
These look so good, but I had the worst time cutting through the skin of the butternut squash. It was VERY hard (the flesh inside seemed fine, but the rind was almost rock like). Do you do something to help you along like leave them out to ripen or...I honestly don't know, but am wondering if there's a trick to it. Should I try baking the whole squash for a few minutes at high heat? I don't think it's my knives as they seem pretty sharp for everything else.
roni
Thanks LG and Kristine...
I should probably record a new one. 🙂
LG
I agree 100% with Kristine, the last commenter...my fries are baking as we speak (so to speak).
Kristine
Just wanted to let you know that folks are still watching this video. It's extremely helpful! 🙂 Thank you for posting it. I never would have thought of cutting it that way, but it makes perfect sense! Butternut squash fries, here I come! lol 🙂
Michele
How funny - I commented on this video back in Dec. 2007 but I just now made a butternut squash for the first time. Just wanted to say thanks as I had no idea how to cut it up but I remembered you had a video on your site about it. I made the fries and they were fantastic! I can't believe I haven't made them sooner!
Holly
Thank you! I started trying to cut a butternut squash and I was making a complete mess! Your tips helped. I'll have to try the fries sometime.
Rachel
Hi Roni,
I just stumbled across your website and love your vegetarian recipies - especially the ones that are quick and easy as I am a pretty lazy cook. Anyway, I really want to try these butternut squash fries but I can't get the video to load. Can you email it to me directly, or check the posting. It may just be my computer, but all of the other videos have been working fine.
Thanks!
Rachel
nino
That was actually a lot of help. Thank you.
roni
Zoey - They last at least a week. AS for freezing, I'm sure you can but like fruit it will probably lose it's texture a bit. But still good for soups and such, sure!
Zoey
Hi Roni,
Thank you for the video, I am going to pick up a butternut squash this weekend and try the fries. You mentioned that you sometimes cut the pieces on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. How long will they last in the refrigerator like that? Could you also freeze them?
Thank you!
roni
Dianne,
I think you are missing my entire weight loss web site...
http://weightwatchen.com
There are TONS of pictures there.
And I have NO idea what this "soap" thing is that you are taking about.
Dianne
Hi there,
My name is Dianne.I just accidentally came across ur website throught the MSN weight Watchers e-mails that I have been getting in my e-mail weekly for a long time.I usually delete it ,but today I went on in & came upon ur website.
greenlitebites. Bravo to u.I also was wondering if u really still make soap as ur msn WW name shows.I ask because I make Cold process soap & have so for about 5 years now.Our son is working on a website 4 me.
But can I ask ~where are ur fat pictures??? ...It says 70 lbs lost.I have 50 more to go of my 13 lb loss.I really think I will be checking out ur great recipes here...The first visdeo I saw here was Quesadias..it looks like u must have moved ...The kitchen is different.I would love for u to show me the fat photos.I love inspiration from others.Have u heard of Sparkspeople & do u use that site???
What exercise did u use to reach ur goal & how long from beginning to end did it take u to lose weight????Hope u write back U GO GIRL.... Dianne in Wa State
Sara
Great. Thanks for the tips. I just wish I had seen it before I did it the hard way. Oh well - live and learn!
nathalie
Oh noooo i have only just discovered this vlog!!! It was great to hear your voice, you always wonder what a person you've only reads' voice sounds like 🙂
I have never dared to buy a butternut squash yet, and we can only get them in fall and winter here i think but now that you've shown us so nicely i might actually give it a try...
I love the idea of videos, they are much more helpful than the writing. I do hope we will get to see many more vlogs of you
nath xxx
roni
I here you!! Spaghetti is on the way!! ;~)
Penny
That was great! Now I will have to try some. How about a video for spaghetti squash??? I want to try some but have no idea where to start. Seeing it helps me so much more than reading it. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
michelle
Great job on the video. Good to hear your voice. I Look forward to seeing more!
sandy
You absolutely should be on television! i was practically drooling by the time this video finished, over the BUTTERNUT SQUSH 🙂
Beth
I love Butternut Squash! I wanted to learn your new technique as soon as I heard about it. I can't believe this is your first video, you were so conversational.
Please don't throw the seeds away. They are tasty and so easy to prepare. I toss the seedy pulp into a bowl of water and soy sauce 50:50 to soak while the squash cooks. When I take the squash out of the hot oven, and turn it off, I spread the seeds out on a cookie sheet, leaving the liquid in the bowl. The cookie sheet goes into the still warm oven while we eat dinner. After 20 min to an hour you get tasty seeds for almost no work or extra cost.
You will be surprised at how good they are.
rachelle Ojeda
nice to hear your voice.
i think you underestimate yourself and by way of all
the comments I bet we'll be seeing more of you 😀
Erika
I loooove Butternut Squash, just made some yummy soup with it, but I enjoyed seeing how you cut teh squash at is always a conundrum.....looking forward to trying the squash fries. Sounds yummy. 🙂 HUGS and congrats on your first video post.
swizzlepop
That was great, you are a natural in front of the camera! It was great to hear a voice to go with the face and name and hear you say your name since I have been saying it wrong in my head all this time (I've been using a long o). I have cut butternut squash before but your way definitely seems easier and I'm glad to hear that it can be pre-cut earlier in the week. Thank you so much for sharing so much with us!! 🙂
Laurie
You rock!!!!!!!! I want to see you on Food Network!!!!!!!!
Kristi
Roni,
I COMPLETELY agree with everyone; you should really think about trying out for a "Food Network Star" type of show ... so many of us would love more shows about healthy food made easy! I've also been making squash for years, but I tried your cutting method tonight for the fries ... it was GREAT! Thanks so much!
Kristi
Christine
Thanks for the great video.
I was sooo intimidated to purchase a butternut squash. Not anymore.
Now, I am ready for thoses yummy looking fries!
Leticia
Thanks for showing this. I have never cooked butternut squash. But, I feel like I can now, especially after watching your video. You TOTALLY belong on Food TV.
PS - maybe another video segment featuring a how to with the spagetti squash?
Barbi
Just GREAT! Really. I do cut butternut squash and I do it almost the same, except for the peeling part...I will do it your way from now on. Oh, and if you do get a show on Food Netork, I will be watching!
Ashleigh
I peeled first and it was super slippery. Great technique. Very articulate. Bravo!
Laura Healey
this was awesome adn i agree you do need to be on tv foodnetwork! You are great on camera did not look nervous whatsoever. it was great! someone needs to submit this to them for you!
Julie Daniel
Roni:
What a fantastic video - Really helpful as I have been wanting to make the butternut fries but wasn't sure how to go about it. Very professional and informative! Hope you will be making more - The New Rachel Ray of Weightwatchen! Thanks..
Tiffany
AWESOME! Great to see you alive!! You are an inspiration in all that you do...even if it is butternut squash!
Dawne
Love it! Good job!
Michelle in Ontario
Roni....this is awesome....you did such a great job! I found myself even a little emotional listening to you...like you were right here in my own kitchen. I have been cooking for my family for 21 years now and you have brought back my love of cooking. Thank you soooo much!
My father-in-law brought me 6 huge butternut squash...and I kept looking at your pictures trying to figure out how you cut them up!....such a neat coincidence!
Chris
Love your butternut squash video. It gave me an idea as you were cutting to maybe use the bulb as a soup bowl like I've seen some restaurant's use a bread bowl for soup. do you think that might work?
I have only seen butternut squash cut lengthwise and roasted but I am going to try your butternut squash fries tonight! Also love your idea of cutting a bunch on Sunday when I have time.
Thanks for taking the time to video record how to do this, I wouldn't have been able to figure it out just from you writing about it.
Chris
Jennscookin
Hi Roni. I loved the video. First, I knew you by name. Then, I knew you by your pictures (your site AND the magazine). Now, I know you by voice (video).
You did a great job. So, I have a question. When you become famous on the Food Network, do I say, "I know her". Cuz' I feel like I do. Lol.
(P.S. I'm gonna go buy some Butternut squash tomorrow)
Jenn
Colette
That was wonderful Roni. I have to admit I have been intimidated by alot of squash's just because I don't know how to a.) clean them and b.) prepare them.
Your video was wonderful and you look GREAT!! Thanks for taking that "leap". It was so nice to see you and hear your voice. Now I know your real...LOL
Have a great weekend.
Colette
Dana
Loved the video. I'm sure you are a great professor. Would love to take one of your college classes ---unfortunately I'm in the Midwest : ( I'm sure you are as great in the classroom as you were in this video.
I've never, ever tried butternut squash but may now!
Michele
That was great! I'm thinking the same thing many others are thinking...I see a cooking show in your future! 🙂
roni
LOL
You guys are too sweet. Thanks so much for the kind words. You really made the "leap" much easier.
Allison
the comments above are too funny, because while I was watching the video, I was definitely thinking..."Roni should submit her tape to Food Network", I'm glad to hear everyone else agrees! The video was great! I just had an incident two weeks ago where I butchered the butternut squash and then burned the fries because I didn't cut it right! So this was very helpful! Great job, don't doubt yourself...look at all the great feedback you received on your video in about a day!! 🙂
Debbie
OH MY GOSH, THIS WAS SOOOOOOOOOO GREAT!!! MORE VIDEOS, PLEASE! YOU ARE REALLY GOOD AT IT, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING IT IS YOUR FIRST. YOUR DIRECTIONS/DEMONSTRATION ARE CLEAR AND EASY TO FOLLOW, PLUS YOU HAVE A VERY ENTERTAINING WAY ABOUT YOU - I SEE WHY SO MANY PEOPLE MENTION FOOD NETWORK CAREER. YOU ARE A NATURAL. BRAVO!
Kath
Love it Roni!!! I'd love to see more! You're a natural 🙂
Suzan
Your great,,just love your website,,and look forward to your post,,if you cannot for the day,,I must admit I'm a little dissapointed,,but geezz,,you have a hubby, job, and toddler..by the way I noticed the direction of the stripes on your sweater,,isn't it wonderful to wear anything you want,,and feel & look great!
Enjoyed your you tube squash cutting,,I do same,,but love using my food processor,,depending on what your making,,its is SO easy,,a breezzzzzz.. Thanks again for all your doing for so many of us,,Suzan
Julie
Love it! This is really helpful! Also, I have that same sweater!
Deb
I Love it !! I would love to see you prepare some of your famous recipes on here so I would know if I was making them right, hint, hint !! Thanks for all you do. You are gonna have to start charging us for all your great ideas !!
Gthandy
Goooo Roni! That was FAB!!! You have a wonderful blog and I love the GLB!
You keep me inspired! Food network here you come....hopefully!
Look forward to your new projects!
kari
great tips, the Butternut is no longer intimidating - thx
Kathy
You're the Queen of all Media, Roni! Keep the videos comin'!!!
Lauren
Great video! I'd love to see more videos on various cooking techniques. Yes...I agree with the rest, you are perfect for TV. Easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. Rachael Ray is like nails on chalkboard for me.
Dani
Hi Roni...
That was great!!
You seriously do it all!! Keep up the great work:).
Janet
Roni
That was great! Fun to hear your voice and see the technique!
Video brings a whole new dimension to your website!
Laurie
I agree....Food Network TV Show. You kind of have that Rachael Ray technique but without quite so much fake laughter!!
Amy
I was thinking Food Network Start the whole time! That was great!
Lily
Wonderful video! Thank you!
Bonita
Thanks for sharing. Good to see a new technique!
Sandra
Great video! I too peeled first and had a hard time cuttin up the squash and cutting off the bulb end separate is a GREAT idea because I also had trouble in cutting the slices with the bulb end still attached. More videos Please!!
Sandy
Roni~ Thank you for doing this..You look great!!Food Network here you come..
I was afraid to try this before,didn't have a clue what to do..You're Awesome for making this Video...:)
Lathan M.
Neat! Thanks for the info! I love both of your pages!
Mom
I may be prejudiced but I think my daughter is going to be on TV too. Great Video Roni.
Laura Brandon
i LOVED this! you need to be on the food network! plus, the last time i tried to work with butternut squash i peeled it first, and you're right... very slippery. it was a disaster. but this helped a lot!
Nicole
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!
I've cut BN squash before - but I loved the video!!!!
Bonnie
That was great, Roni! It's great to get to hear your voice. I've been making your butternut squash fries (as well as delicata and sweet potato) for a couple of months now, and I was cutting the butternut almost right. I just didn't cut the bottom bulb off first, but that is a great idea. Thank you, SO MUCH, for sharing everything about your weight loss, and eating healthy, both during weight loss and during maintenance (which is actually the rest of our lives). I joined WW on August 8th, and as of Wednesday night, I've lost 41 pounds. I have a total of 92.4 to lose. I feel wonderful already. I'm your Mom's age...my sons and their wives (my girls) are your age....and I've always learned so much from my sons (and then the girls too), and now I'm learning a great deal from you. Your age kids (well, you're really grownups now...tehehe) have a lot to offer, and are so much fun to be around. It's no wonder I enjoy you so much!
B
Roni great video.