Classic from the Vault: Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Walnut Spread

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• Cooking spray
• 1 whole garlic head
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (3-ounce) package goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 36 (1/2-inch-thick) slices French bread baguette, toasted (about 8 ounces)

Preheat oven to 400°.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Place squash halves, cut sides down, on a foil-lined jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Remove white papery skin from the garlic head (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap garlic head in foil. Place garlic on pan with squash. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until squash is tender. Cool slightly. Scoop out the pulp from squash, and discard skins. Separate garlic cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp. Discard skins.

Place squash, garlic, juice, salt, and cheese in a food processor; process until smooth. Spoon mixture into a bowl, and sprinkle evenly with nuts. Serve with baguette slices.

Serves 12 (2.5 T spread, 3 baguette slices); 114 calories.

VERDICT:  We have this every year at Thanksgiving, and I look forward to it more than the pie.  It is savory and delicious.  Keep!