Baked Squash—from NEIGHBORING ON THE AIR, by Evelyn Birkby

Thinking about trying something new for your holiday dinner this year? Try this recipe from Neighboring on the Air, by Evelyn Birkby.

Baked Squash

Cut the squash in strips after it is peeled. Slice in a baking dish until full. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a little water. Put on lid and bake till done. Then add 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon butter or more. Bake another 20 minutes.

Betty Jane's Wild Rice with Mushrooms—from NEIGHBORING ON THE AIR, by Evelyn Birkby

Looking for holiday meal ideas? Try Betty Jane's wild rice with mushrooms recipe from Neighboring on the Air, by Evelyn Birkby.

Betty Jane's Wild Rice with Mushrooms

1 cup wild rice
1 cup grated American cheese
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup chopped ripe olives
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup salad oil
1 cup canned tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak wild rice overnight; drain and add above ingredients. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 10 to 12 people.

Photo from A YEAR OF IOWA NATURE, by Carl Kurtz

Need some green today? This photo is of a prairie spiderwort in bloom. See more photos like this one in Carl Kurtz's book, A Year of Iowa Nature: Discovering Where We Live.