Butternut Squash Lasagna with a Twist

Have you heard? The Second Annual Foodbuzz Festival is a little more than a month away!

Last year’s festival ranks up there as one of the top ten experiences of my life.

There was the epic welcoming party of rooftop cocktails and street food fair.

The beautiful Ferry Building Farmer’s Market full of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables.

The never ending Taste Pavilion of unique vendors that resembled a foodie’s paradise.

We were brought straight to the source for the Outstanding in the Field Dinner served on a single table in the Green Leaf Produce Warehouse.

Our farewell Nature’s Pride Brunch.

And so much more.

I made memories that will last a lifetime and as the countdown to Foodbuzz Festival 2010 begins I’ve found myself counting down the minutes, hours, and days until I return to San Francisco for this year’s event. I seriously can not wait to go back. 🙂

Of course trips to San Francisco don’t come cheap.

Read: Plane Ticket + Hotel = $$$

Which is why I dug into the deep depths of my creative brain to come up with a delicious, amazing recipe that will hopefully (fingers crossed) land me a spot as one of Nature’s Pride Brand Ambassador at this year’s event.

Let me introduce you to…

Butternut Squash Lasagna with a Twist

The twist? Well, those aren’t noodles in there. They’re slices of Nature’s Pride Whole Wheat Bread.

This recipe actually surpassed all of my expectations and may just be one of my favorite recipes I’ve ever created. The sweet squash, faint cinnamon spice, and savory marinara sauce really makes this a true winner. And the layered bread works well at pulling all of the flavors together into a perfect, fall themed meal.

Let me break it down for you.

What you will need:

• 1 small Butternut Squash
• 4 slice Nature’s Pride Whole Wheat Bread
• 1 cup Marinara Sauce
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh Basil
• 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp Pepper

Begin with the Butternut Squash

Cut in small cubes

Place in a bowl

Cover with a wet towel and microwave for 7 minutes on high

Once the squash is soft, begin to smoosh with a fork

Add the garlic, basil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper

Once the squash is smooshed, begin to coat an 8×8 glass with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce

And toast the 4 slices of Nature’s Pride Bread

Two of the slices go on top of the marinara sauce in the pan.

Layer with the seasoned butternut squash

another 1/4 cup of marinara sauce

and a sprinkle of Feta cheese.

Repeat!

Bake at 375 for 15 minutes

Serves 4.

The end result isn’t your typical lasagna. The bread becomes mushy and kind of resembles a savory bread pudding, but I think it works well with the flavors.

Try it. Live it. Love it!