Not So Kid-Approved Dinner

We have the Cooking Light Kids-Approved cookbook.  Everyone once in a while, my kids will pick a recipe and we'll make it.  Tonight, the 7 year old decided we were making Pasta with Winter Squash.  I didn't quite have everything, so I modified it a bit.  But, it didn't matter, the 7 year old took a big bite and started crying.  He did not like it at all.

Pasta with Winter Squash Sauce

1 acorn squash

2 tbsp butter

1 clove garlic

1 tsp dried sage

1/2 cup walnuts 

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp brown sugar

black pepper

1/2 lb pasta (not spaghetti, go with ziti or rotini)

Cut squash in half, seed and place in a microwave dish cut side down. Add 1/4" of water and microwave 8-12 minutes or until cooked and soft.

Peel, diced then mash squash until smooth. Set aside

Place walnuts in a fry pan and toast over medium heat until fragrant. Take off heat and set aside.

Melt butter in another pan and saute garlic until golden brown. Add sage, stir until butter turns slightly golden.

Add butter mixture to squash and mix well.

Cook pasta according to directions. Mix hot, drained pasta with squash mixture.  It will take a minute for everything to incorporate.  Add walnuts and mix to combine.

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

You can have this as a main dish, or as a side dish with a meat.  Unless your kids already like winter squash's flavor and texture, this may not be a big hit with the little ones, but my meat eater hubby even enjoyed it!