Shelly's Recipe

WINTER SQUASH GRATIN

Category: Squash

1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs (about 3 slices firm white bread)
2 tbsp butter
2 cups chopped onions
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves, crumbled
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 lbs dry-fleshed winter squash, such as Buttercup, Hubbard or Kabocha, peeled and seeded
3/4-1 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 375. Combine cheese and bread crumbs in bowl and set aside.

In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and sugar. Stir often until onions are golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in salt, thyme and pepper, then transfer mixture to 1 1/2-quart baking dish.

Cut squash into smaller chunks and cut these chunks into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Add to onions and stir together well. Pour 3/4 cup of chicken broth evenly over squash. Cover dish tightly with lid or foil and bake for about 70 minutes, or until squash is tender and broth is nearly all absorbed. If squash appears dry, add remaining 1/4 cup broth. Sprinkle squash with reserved bread crumb mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 20 minutes longer. Serves 8