Last weekend we had some new friends over for dinner, and I couldn’t wait to get to know them better.
I love intentional entertaining – being intentional with our planning and inviting – bringing people together with a purpose and a plan.
Sometimes that may mean wanting to introduce certain people to one another.
Or just wanting to get to know them better yourself.
So, what did I serve?
Yummy short ribs (recipe to come on RE), fresh asparagus, and the Butternut Banana Mash recipe that I’m sharing today.
It was fun making this recipe up, as I had a few ripe bananas and 2 pounds of pre-cut butternut squash in my fridge – so why not combine them together? 
The flavor was fantastic!
Oh, and how was our evening with new friends? It was well worth the time, effort, expense (it does cost extra for the family when you entertain!) for sure. But I did ask our guests to each bring an appetizer and the dessert, so they covered that portion of the meal for us.
Do you worry about the cost of entertaining, or do you feel free to delegate some of the courses?
Recipe: Butternut Banana Mash Recipe {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: A crowd pleasing recipe, especially for kids!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. butternut squash, cubed
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. maple syrup
- Sea salt
- 2 bananas, ripe or overripe, mashed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place cubed squash in baking dish; drizzle with oil and maple syrup. Lightly salt.
- Roast the squash, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until soft; cool.
- In a food processor, combine the squash and the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The brown sugar is optional, depending on how sweet you like the mash.
- Heat and serve.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 20 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 6
(Photos by my daughter, Abby. I love her creativity! Thank you, Abby!)
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
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What a genius idea!!! I did something like this for my son when he was transitioning into solids but I love this adult version.
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The butternut banana mash looks delicious, Sandy! I would have no problem delegating part of the meal to my guests!
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Interesting combo, I’ll bet it was good. I don’t really worry about the cost of entertaining as it doesn’t really seem to add that much to our already high grocery bill. Have you noticed the raise in food prices lately??? I don’t usually ask guests to bring anything although if they offer I will sometimes accept.
Darla
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I used to worry about the cost, but I figure it’s always worth it! The butternut banana mash sounds so good – I love unique recipes like this!
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What a fantastic flavor combination.
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This looks so good Sandy!
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That mash looks divine and I am sure it tastes even better. Can’t wait to try your recipe. What a great way to use ripe bananas.
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YUM–love the maple syrup in this recipe!
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I absolutely can’t get enough butternut squash!
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This recipe sounds delightful. And great photos, Abby!
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