Here's the easiest way to cut a squash – essential for the fall season

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It's that time of year again when that one very special ingredient keeps popping up in all your recipes and news feeds, and no, we're not talking about pumpkin spice.
Instead, we're talking about the truly delicious and festive butternut squash. Just the thought of this versatile and beautiful vegetable evokes feelings and memories of autumn, and with this season upon us, it's only fitting we give you some of the best tips for cooking with it.
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Below we've listed the best way to dice and slice your squash, alongside some of the tastiest fall recipes out there. So take a look, and don't forget to share your favorite tips with your friends.
Once the squash is cooked, this delicious veggie is smooth and soft and often melts in your mouth. Raw, though, butternut squash is quite hard. So chef Byron Talbott emphasizes the importance of cutting this dense vegetable with a sharp knife. Then he advises keeping these three things in mind while chopping up this autumn harvest vegetable:
1. Curl your fingers like a claw when cutting
After cutting the large squash into three sections — top, middle, bottom — work with each section by curling your fingers and grabbing it like a claw from the top as you slice off the hard outer skin. This ensures precise cuts and keeps your fingers out of harm's way.
2. Always use a flat surface
This is key when working with a sharp knife and a piece of food that is quite large. By having a flat surface to work on, you're making sure that you can make proper and safe cuts.
3. Cut your squash according to the dish
When you start cutting up your squash, think about the recipe you have in mind. For example, if you're making a soup, cubed chunks of the butternut squash will be easier to cook, mash and blend.
If you've ever had butternut squash, you know that its rich, smooth texture is amazing on its own. Often, the best way to cook up this veggie is just by popping it in the oven to roast with your favorite seasonings on top. While this is a classic staple for many households, try giving the recipe below a go for something different.
Squash fries: Best Health suggests chopping up your squash into french-fry-like pieces. Then toss them in oil and sprinkle them with an assortment of tasty seasonings (check out these suggestions) before roasting them in the oven until nice and tender.
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What's your favorite squash recipe? Tell us in the comments and make sure to share if you found these squash-slicing tips helpful!
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