Savory Butternut Squash with Onion & Pecans
1 C. chopped pecans
2 slices bacon
2 tsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 C. chopped yellow onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ground sage
2 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 T. chopped fresh basil
2 T. freshly grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the chopped pecans in an even layer on ungreased non-stick baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees F for 7 minutes. While pecans are toasting, cook the bacon in a large, heavy skillet until it is crisp; remove bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Add the butter and oil to the bacon drippings and stir in the onion and garlic, cook over low heat until tender, about 15 minutes; stir in the ground sage. Add the cubed squash, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add half of the toasted pecans and the basil and stir carefully to mix well (avoid breaking up the squash). Place in a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled bacon, remaining pecans, and Parmesan, and serve. Note: crumbled Gorgonzola is also good in place of the Parmesan!