8-2-Eat: Fall into Butternut Squash

8-2-Eat is my food-focused list series. A perfect Friday distraction. This week: 8 recipes with butternut squash, a favorite fall vegetable.

Smoky Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. Bacon lends some smoke to this velvety pureed soup made with butternut squash and apples. Included with this post: tips on how best to peel and cut up butternut squash.

Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Sausage Lasagna. This is one of my absolute favorite ways to serve butternut squash--as a substitute for tomatoes in a homey lasagna.

Fall Grain Bowl with Butternut Squash. Roasted butternut squash is the perfect focal point for a healthy fall-themed grain bowl.

Southwestern Fall Grain Bowl with Turkey, Squash, Pecans and Sage. Another take on a a fall grain bowl, this time a spicy version with hominy and pecans inspired by our last year's trip to the Southwest.

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Crostini with Crispy Shallots. Looking for an elegant fall starter? Look no further than these lovely crostini, a mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Turkey and Butternut Squash Meatloaf. Squash in meatloaf? Why not. It adds moisture and a bit of sweetness to the classic homemade dish.

Wheat Berry Salad with Butternut Squash, Hazelnuts and Sage. A lovely and healthy side for Thanksgiving or as a standalone weekday meal.

Cocktail: Hot Butternut Rum. Ever had a cocktail with butternut squash? Local bartender Todd Thrasher's recipe for butternut squash base inspired this seasonal drink with rum, ginger liqueur and hot sauce.