how to cut butternut squash

To cut a butternut squash, follow these steps for an easy and safe process:

1. Lay the squash on its side on a cutting board and cut about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off both the stem and bottom ends.
2. Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler, removing all the skin down to the bright orange flesh.
3. Cut off the bulb (the rounded bottom part) from the neck of the squash.
4. Stand each piece upright on its flat end and slice them lengthwise in half.
5. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the bulb part.
6. Lay each quarter flat-side down and slice into strips of your desired thickness (about 1/2 to 1 inch thick).
7. Stack the strips and cut them crosswise into cubes if needed.

This method makes the squash manageable and easy to cook in various recipes like roasting, soups, or stews. Repeated practice makes it easier and safer to handle the squash.