Butternut Squash Ziti
Catching up on weekend activities?
- Check out what happened with my Half Marathon on Saturday.
- And read my 10K Race Recap from Sunday’s race!
I am eating THE MOST amazing lunch. I wasn’t sure if the flavor combination would work, but it totally did!
I drained the extra glaze off the leftover Glazed Butternut Squash (about 1/4 of the recipe) and mixed it with:
- 1/2 cup (measured dry) cooked whole wheat pasta
- 1/4 cup pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Pepper
And baked everything in a personal-sized dish for 20 minutes at 400. I topped it with cheese and broiled it until bubbly. Presenting…. Butternut Squash Ziti!
It was SO good – sweet and creamy. I had a side of broccoli, too.
Update on Maggie
Thanks again for all your well-wishes for Maggie. I took her to the vet this morning because she was limping on her back leg. I tried to make the trip to the vet fun, but she wasn’t having any of it.
The vet did a manual exam and x-rays…
He said that she probably just has soft-tissue damage (like a sprain). She must have been playing too hard! He gave me anti-inflammatory medicine (as well as painkillers). The Husband spoke to a holistic vet, who said it was a good idea to strap one of our medical magnets on her, as well. Sometimes I wear this on my knees after long runs, and they make me feel better – I figure it can’t hurt to try it on Maggie.
Poor puppy. She’s not allowed to run or play for 5 days.
Tea at The Ritz – Is it Blogger Friendly?
As I blogged about this weekend, the Husband and I will be having afternoon tea at The Ritz in London on our one year wedding anniversary. When we booked our tea time, the first thing the Husband said was, “This will be great material for the blog!” But then, several readers mentioned you cannot take pictures inside The Ritz, and my heart sank!
A readers named Julie was AWESOME enough to e-mail The Ritz for me and inquire whether photographs were allowed. Apparently, pictures are allowed in the room where tea is served, but not the other public areas.
Mystery solved! Thanks, Julie! 
Posted by: Caitlin 68 comments
Posted in: All Posts
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
YUM! I love using squash with pasta because it makes it sooooo creamy no? I use it in place of creamy sauces these days YUMMMERSSS! Love your combo though, I wouldn’t have thought to bake it!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
The pasta looks fantastic and sound divine. Glad Maggie is okay and I hope the magnet helps!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
that baked ziti looks truly amazing. i just ate lunch and i’d still eat that if it were in front of me…
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
so i’m officially putting butternut squash in ANYTHING cause EVERYTHING with it looks ahmazing. thanks for another recipe inspiration. recipiration? or is that too much like respiration?
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
The pasta looks great. Any ideas of what to do with acorn squash? I bought some at the weekend for the first time – is it similar to butternut squash?
I’m jealous about the ritz – I’ve lived near London for 22 years and have never been!
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
hangry heather did something fun with acorn squash the other day: http://www.hangrypants.com/2009/11/she-says-twice-baked-acorn-squash/
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Glad to hear maggie’s better. And yum that sounds delicious!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
what an amazing anniversary plan!
maggie is TOO cute and i’m so glad she’s okay. 5 days of no playing will be tough, but she seems like a tough lil’ cookie.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
That. Looks. Amazing.
Glad your pup is OK!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Get well soon Maggie
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I’m glad Maggie is doing well. I hope she gets used to her new knickers!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I think your recipe sounds AMAZING! I know what I’m bringing to Thanksgiving this year!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
butternut + pasta sauce is a great combo! glad you liked it
so happy nothing bad is wrong with Maggie!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
SO GLAD Maggie is ok!!!
I made a butternut squash mac and cheese not too long ago that was absolutely stellar. I think you’d love it!
Also, my LCSW mom is very interested in OB and would be willing to talk to you as a professional about women, teens and body image…if you want!
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
i emailed you
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I’m so glad to see Maggie is doing well–good luck on keeping her still and calm during recovery! My wire fox terrier has had a few sprains (he’s a bit manic) and keeping him still was a total nightmare (too bad dogs can’t just be made to sit and watch TV)…
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Fingers crossed that dear Maggie stays well!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I’m glad Maggie is better!
Question: do you feed your adorable dogs an organic/natural food? I blogged about pet nutrition last night and I’m curious about what other healthy lifestylers do.
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
i actually blogged about this once – http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2009/08/vegetarian-pets.html
i am slowly switching them from dry + wet food to just dry, and then i might switch the vegetarian dry. i cant really decide if its the right thing to do (for them as my pets, to me it’s the right thing morally speaking).
[Reply]
Brie (The Fit Bride) Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Ooh, interesting. Our cats could obviously never be vegetarian, but I’ve definitely heard of dogs doing very well with them. Our dog would eat pumpkin and peanut butter all day if we let him!
It makes me so sad when people feed their dogs junky food. At least when you’re the one eating it, you’re the one making the decision, but dogs have to rely on you to choose for them. Poor puppies!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Oh that dish looks so good!! Fun spin on regular baked ziti.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Caitlin your photos are so awesome since you got the new camera! I really love that one of the bite of ziti. I need to learn to use my camera!
Can’t wait to see your photos when you go to The Ritz. I’ve had tea in many London hotels but not The Big Daddy!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
That’s a combination I never would have considered but looks absolutely delicious!
My favorite tea spot in London is the Orangery at Kensington Palace — I’ll be curious to see how The Ritz compares.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
glad to see Maggie is okay!!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Thank goodness Maggie is ok! Oscar HATES the vet too, he freaks out when we pull into the parking lot. He will be back in a month to get neutered, so he better get over it!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Can’t wait to see your pictures from Tea at the Ritz! Scott and I had tea in London a few years ago – on the 7th floor of Liberty of London. Very cool place – check it out if you haven’t done so already.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Pretty sad when Maggie’s x-ray looks better than mine
Maybe I need a magnet corset. Do they come in leopard print? 
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Glad to hear Maggie is ok! Can’t wait to hear about Tea at The Ritz!! I’ve been to the Dorchester for afternoon tea and it was amazing. http://www.thedorchester.com/reserve-afternoon-tea-dorchester
I’m going to London next week! So excited! What else do you guys have planned for your trip?
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
so far, our other plans include:
Natural History Museum
Two day trip to Bath
White Cliffs of Dover
Tower of London
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Well wishes to Maggie!!! It always breaks my heart when my doggie is sick or doesn’t feel well. I’m so glad she’s ok!
And wowza! I’m a little squash obsessed recently and I LOVE this idea! I’ve done tea at the Ritz- it’s a fantastic idea and I am sure that you will absolutely love it and have a wonderful time.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Your Butternut Squash Ziti looks amazing, I want to make it now!!! Still trying to get to making Butternut Squash soup, however. Maybe I will by 2 of them and make both. =)
P.S. Sorry I missed you at the 10K on Sunday, hope to see & meet you at a future local race……..
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Pardon me if you’ve already said this, but is this your first trip to London? I went this spring and as a foodie in the making even then…there were two markets that are absolute MUST SEES if possible.
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
this is our second trip to london together (the husband is from england) and will be my 5th trip to europe (i have a travel problem….)
suggestions for places to visit are appreciated!
[Reply]
Jenny Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Two words: Borough. Market. It’s basically foodie heaven.
Are you guys going to see the key ceremony at the Tower of London? I think you have to get tickets WAAAAY in advance…
I didn’t know he was British! *Swoon*
If I had lots of money, i’d have a problem…for now it’s just a daydreaming of fabulous places to visit problem.
[Reply]
Sam Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Yes yes yes to Borough Market! It’d be a good place for a blogger (and reader!) meet-up, if you’re still planning one of them.
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
i’m going to try to do a meet up, we’ll see! i hope so.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Congrats on the 10K this weekend! It feels so good when you know you ran well! I already can’t wait to see the pics from tea at the Ritz!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I’m glad Maggie isn’t hurt too bad! How cute are those Xrays! My dog had a soft tissue injury a few years ago. After one day on the medicine he was back to normal. I hope she feels better soon!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Glad Maggie is ok
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
So glad your pup is okay! I have a daschund too and worry about potential future back issues. They are the sweetest most mischievous dogs!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Glad Maggie is all better now! Lunch looks great.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
i’m glad maggie’s okay… and i wanted to mention that your photograph from this morning of the steam coming from your coffee cup was beautiful!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I want to go to London! Also, I love the ziti idea.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Yayyy, I am so glad that Maggie is okay!
I wish I was having your lunch for my lunch today
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
YAY for Maggie! Love her facial expressions!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
This lunch looks yummy, and I wish I had time to make it today. Glad the pup is feeling better!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Yay, glad Maggie survived the vet trip. Hopefully she’ll be back to her old self soon, she was just having too much fun
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
wow that baked squash ziti looks soo good!
jenna
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I hope Maggie feels better soon. Wow! Tea at The Ritz. That will be awesome. Thanks for posting the pick of the Ziti. I will be making that asap.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I hope Maggie feels better soon! That little x-ray is so cute! LOL! Who knew an x-ray could be so cute! Have you considered looking into some alternative medicine for her joints? It might be a good idea as she gets older. My parents have a papillon, and they are known to have hip problems. Her back legs have been slipping out from under her a bit, so they are trying a pill that helps her joints. She gets half of the pill in the am, and half in the evening for three weeks, and then they’ll take it down to one 1/2 dose per day. They are even chewable roast beef flavor… LOL!
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
we’re starting her on glucosamine, i hope that helps!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Your welcome Caitlin!
The pasta looks so good, I haven’t had a good pasta with red sauce in far too long.
Glad Maggie is okay!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Your squash concoction looks yummy and Maggie is such a cutie-cute! Wishing her a speedy recovery!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hmmm… got some leftover butternut squash in the fridge! I was thinking “mac and cheese”, but this looks waaaay better
Glad nothing too serious for Maggie!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Yum squash is always good is sphaghetti!
Glad Mags is OK. Some of our smaller dogs have done that and it’s always frightening.
And I LOVE that pic of James in bed in the earlier post. My dogs do that sometimes and I just can’t help but laugh. I don’t think my animals know they are animals.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
this baked ziti recipe sounds great! a must try for sure
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
i’m so glad maggie is ok!
my doxie (who is super long) has had a sore back twice b/c he tries to go 100 mph ALL the time (i would kill for his energy!!)
nothing is scarier than the possibility that it’s a serious back problem for our long and low friends!!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I’m always a little scared of butternut squash. I’m not what it is, I think it might be the fact that I’m not crazy about butternut squash soup or maybe that it’s so darn hard to cut!
Your recipe looks delicious though! Any tips for an easier way to cut a butternut squash? Does microwaving it help?
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
take it out of the fridge first and let it reach room temp. i just took a really sharp knife to it.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Poor Maggie!!!!
And that meal looks amazing!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Glad Maggie is doing better. She probably isn’t happy that she can’t play.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
so glad maggie is ok. Poor thing. One question though- how do you make a dog not run? That would be be as hard as not letting them go pee or poo pretty much.
[Reply]
caitlin Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
i just keep yelling at her not to move. She’s so lazy, it’s pretty effective.
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I love her crazy eyes!! She is precious!
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Your ziti looks A mazing … I def. need to try that dish
[Reply]
on Nov 16th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I have been searching for a good butternut squash recipe, and this looks perfect!
-Courtney
[Reply]
on Nov 17th, 2009 at 1:40 am
[...] was caitlin inspired… b/c i had some leftover butternut squash i needed to [...]
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
[...] Caitlin’s dog Maggie sprained her hind leg. Even though Oscar and Maggie have never met, they are both wiener dogs and Caitlin and I like to [...]