Ducks 'n a Row

vegetables

How To Cook Butternut Squash The Easy Way

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There are a number of ways to cook butternut squash. Leave it to my mom, she found the easiest, most flavorful way to do it and I am going to share it with you.

How to cook butternut squash the easy way #tips

Yes, my mom was a really good cook. She was so tickled when she discovered the oven method. It was one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments.

Baking butternut squash in the oven requires less preparation and is the most flavorful. When I make it to accompany a big holiday dinner, I usually make it a day ahead and rewarm it in the microwave when it is time to serve.

Depending on the quality of the squash itself, it is unlikely that you will need to add any sweetener. It is plenty sweet all by itself. I prefer to add just a little bit of butter. Delicious!

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butternut squash, cooking squash, winter squash, side dishes, holiday meals

How To Make Butter Nut Squash

Ingredients

Fresh butternut squash
1 T. Butter per squash


Directions

1. Cut the end with the stem off and discard.
2. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise.
3. Scoop out the seeds and throw them away.
4. Place the squash, flat-side down on a foil lined baking sheet.
    Bake at 350º until the squash is soft when you prick it with a fork.*
    Remove from oven and cool so that it can be handled.
5. Using a fork and knife, peel the skin off the outside of the squash.
    Cut the “meat” of the squash into chunks and place in a microwave safe baking dish.
6. Add 1 T. butter (or more) and mash.
*Expect cooking time to be at least one hour
Serve or refrigerate to reheat for later.
One large squash serves 4 people.
The easiest way to cook butternut squash - you will love it! #tips #cooking

We enjoy butternut squash all winter long but I especially like to serve it with holiday meals. It is the perfect compliment to a traditional turkey dinner.

Enjoy!

squash, butternut squash, winter squash, side dishes, holiday meals, makeahead

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Simple Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe

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Tonight we had sizzling rib eye steaks for dinner. I seasoned them with Montreal steak seasoning and then cooked them to perfection on our gas grill. 

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It just so happened that we had some sliced fresh mushrooms on hand. It was simple to put together sautéed mushrooms on the stove to top that luscious slab of beef!  In fact, they looked so pretty on the plate, I wanted share the moment with you. You should make some yourself! The recipe is easy-peasy, I promise you.

 

Sauteed mushrooms are so easy to make - here is how! #tips

How To Make Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

Ingredients
Sliced fresh mushrooms
Salted butter
Cooking sherry
Garlic powder
Salt
Directions
Preheat a non-stick skillet on medium
Melt 2-3 T butter in your skillet.
Add 1-2 T sherry and a dash each of garlic powder and salt, according to taste.
Heat on medium until the mushrooms soften and reduce in size.
Turn heat to low.
Serve them on top of your favorite steak.

Mushrooms perfectly sauteed in a butter wine sauce are my idea of a perfect side dish for a hot, sizzling steak! #recipes #tips Share on X

 

Easy recipe for sauteed mushrooms #recipes

Enjoy!

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Who produces the most PET HAIR– cats or dogs?

Whichever that may be, I definitely recommend cleaning it up with your NEW Shark navigator vacuum cleaner with LED lights.  I have owned a Shark for years, now, and by far it still is the BEST Pet Hair Vacuum I have ever used!

Shark navigator vacuum with LED headlights

The 24” Conical Plant Support for Planters

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In small spaces, such as small balconies or apartments, gardeners are often frustrated by the lack of space available — and the limited ideas for making the most of the space without it looking overly packed and crowded with plants. You want the space to look natural, but still have enough different varieties and colours of the plants you love. It can also be a challenge to get your different plants and planters off the floor.
There are ways to have lovely pansies & other plants in a confined space. #plantsupport #plantstands Ducks 'n a Row

                                                                              

It takes up much more space to have them all lined out on the floor in a jumbled maze. Also, being on the floor makes it hard to water and access the plants to give them the care they need as well. Other plants can also block the much needed sunlight that some of your plants need to grow and flourish. The solution is to use a 24”conical plant support for your pots and planters.
Basil! Little room at home? You can still have a garden! #garden #planter #plantsupport www.ducksnarow.com

This is an easy solution that does not take up a lot of space on your already space challenged terrace or balcony. Traditional planters that are square, are lovely to look at but can also be cumbersome and use up valuable space. The obvious solution is to go up. Depending on the size and type of flowers, you can place several small pots on the conical planters and allow them to cascade over the sides of the pots.  

Trellises can be combined to give your space a burst of springtime colours as you can combine your favourite flowers in your favourite colours for triple the effect. Any trailing flower or vine that does not grow too quickly or aggressively can be used on a trellis.
You also have the option of planting small shrubbery in the pots and also stacking them in the individual rings of your plant support. You can plant three of a kind or mix it up with different and interesting foliage or blooms. Each layer will be contained in its own section and appears neat and organised but still beautiful on any patio, terrace, or balcony. The idea is to layer several pots in one upright stand without interfering or impeding the other plants.
There are many different options available to you when using conical supports. You can bury the base of the plant support in a large pot for flowers such as lilies. It will be just as effective and beautiful. You can think outside of the box and use it as a support structure for your smaller pots or planters that are similar in diameter to the rings on the support stand. Simply check to make sure the pots fit snugly and will not fall through the rings.
The conical plant support was meant to be buried so ensure that you give it adequate support and it is stable and sturdy however you decide to utilise it in your space. Your imagination is your only limit.
If you are interested in buying the 24”conical plant support, visit the Mega Garden Store.
Here is how to grow your own fruit.

Lee Elwell works for Mega Garden Store. He is known for his knowledge in the field of gardening equipment. You can add him on Google Plus. Please add him to your circles.

       

Photo credit:
Pansies from Pixabay
Basil! by Matt Boulton Flickr Creative Commons