Gordy-How? or, the “A” game

L to R, clockwise: turban squash, hubbard squash, and the unknown. Inside of the unknown, inside of turban, inside of hubbard, and mashed up for dinner

(It’s a hockey joke, people. Gourd-y + How?) but seriously, what am I doing with this mystery squash? After 10 minutes of intense Internet research I think it might be a kind of delicata – it was a gift from Hub’s grandma and she doesn’t know what it is either. Might be a cross-breed. It is the “Acme” of squashes. How do I cook this? I believe I’ll call upon the InstaPot to sort this out. Mr Hockey Gordy Howe had a hat trick named after him that I might implement to tackle this – a fight (getting the rind and seeds out), an assist (I might con Hubs into cutting it up for me), and the goal – eat!

There are so many beautiful squash to try this time of year. These aren’t full of warts like some others I’ve seen (I would gladly try one of those too!) Most have orange flesh regardless of rind color, indicative of a high beta-carotene content. All three of these squash were orange inside. This is your “A” game – naturally orange vegetables are high in a compound called beta-carotene, which your liver magically turns into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is considered a carotenoid and a big long molecule that helps your body mop up messes (anti-oxidants). It helps with many body systems, including your vision. For as much pumpkin as I eat this time of year you’d think my night vision would be better (it’s not great).

Speaking of pumpkin, there lots of other ways to get beta carotene in your diet – carrots, sweet potatoes, the above mentioned squash, colored bell peppers, and cantaloupe! I eat pumpkin like a fiend in October and November because it just seems wrong other times of year, and I am proudly part of the seasonal pumpkin-spice-everything crowd (breakfast condiment of choice). Squash keeps well in the freezer and takes to roasting too – throw some balsamic vinegar on it and it serves as both your vegetable and starch.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pick the seeds off my kitchen floor and set them aside for a garden experiment later. I’ll set them in a dark place so they don’t get any ideas.