Bake Ziti and Apples with Squash

My fruitarian had no issues eating this side dish. Why would he, it is full of apples, brown sugar, and butternut squash.

Monkey was not happy. She is getting tired of eating vegetables, fruit, beans, rice, and anything else I am "torturing her" with. I ended up threatening to make the family a vegetarian household for good if she didn't stop whining every time we eat together. After-all if she is going to complain about everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) I might as well eat what I like.

Ziti is nothing new here, in fact I chose this dinner selection because it wasn't new, we have it at least once a month, and usually DON'T have leftovers. The apples and butternut squash combo however, that was a new vegetarian addition tonight. Ziti qualifies as long as you aren't one of those families that load it up with sausage, hamburger, turkey meat, or whatever other ground animal you like.

My Father would like this side dish, it covers his two fruits or veggies rule. Dinner isn't dinner if you don't have two different sides. And Corn and Mashed Potatoes don't count (2 starches)!!!

I better give Mother the recipe.

From Family Fun (one of my favorite magazines!! Thank You Afton!)

Give it an "A." Just one cup of butternut squash boasts close to three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A*. It's also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Need a kid-pleasing recipe? Try this sweet and savory side dish.

Serves: 6

Total Time: about 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes
• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Warm over to 350 degrees.

Put vegetable oil in a 13x9 baking dish, toss chopped squash and apples gently in dish.

Melt Butter. Mix brown sugar, flour and cinnamon, and sprinkle on the top of the chopped squash and Apples. Pour Melted butter on top, and place in the over for 45 minutes or until tender.