***NEW RECIPE***

Well, it's that time of year...time to gather up all your family, all the treats and presents and head out for some Holiday Happiness and FA-LA-LALLING!

If you are the one in charge of bringing a side dish to the gathering, here is a great way to spruce up (and spice up!) the table. Enjoy your time with family and friends--that's what matters most!!

Happy Holidays!!

Ingredients:

1 large (2 to 3 lbs) butternut squash
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pinch of salt
Pinch of cajun seasoning
3 dashes ground black pepper
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C). Cut squash lengthwise with a large sharp knife and scoop out seeds with a melon baller. Using a peeler, remove skin and white pith. Brush with oil and sprinkle withsalt and pepper. Arrange butternut halves cut side down in a prepared baking pan side by side and roast until softened, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine melted butter, oil cajun seasoning, minced garlic and crushed black pepper. Set aside

3. Remove squash from oven and transfer to a cutting board and allow to cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut slits 2 or 3mm apart in the squash, cutting almost but not all the way through. You can place the handles of two wooden spoons alongside the squash to act as a guard to prevent cutting through. Transfer to the baking pan and brush with the spicy garlic butter sauce. Make sure to coat well and between the slices.

4. Roast squash halves, basting with the cooking juice every 8-10 minutes, for 25-30 minutes. You can turn on the broiler for a few minutes to slightly grill the top at the end of cooking. Serve topped with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of kosher salt.

Recipe courtesy of: http://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-roasted-butternut-squash-recipe