With a picture it might be possible to ID it. But even then it could be impossible if it is the result of some weird cross pollinated seed - they do make it into seed packets now and them. There are any number of posts and even a FAQ here on how to post pics that the search would pull up for you. Basically you just put the pics on one of the image hosting websites like photobucket or Flicker and then copy and paste the HTML URL they give you for it in your message here. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: How to post photo guidelines

It probably was a borer. That's what it usually is when a plant suddenly "drops dead." I'd recommend that you try mounding a bit of soil over some of the vines, so that they root. This is just a precaution, in case you have another attack. George Tahlequah, OK

You're right about everyone wanting easy-prepackaged foods and not knowing what to do with something like a squash, jicama, turnip or any other vegetable that requires skinning/cutting and preparation. I always notice the people shopping at the grocery stores and what they buy. Except for at the produce market, I rarely see anyone shop like me. Most are full of prepackaged foods, boxes,junk, junk, junk with maybe a token apple, orange and ice burg lettuce thrown in. The other day I went to Walmart's food department and my local produce market. The four families in lines near me at Walmart were all obese, from parents down to the youngest toddler. Carts loaded with cheap cookies, hamburger helper and white bread. I was buying canning jars and pectin or I wouldn't have been there. One lady was all concerned over the prices of her apples and other nasty looking produce. She was taking forever checking out because she was having Walmart price match produce of the other big grocery chains. When she took a breather and looked towards me I mentioned to her that the nearby produce mart had the same produce she was buying for 1/5 the price and fresher looking. She said "that won't work for me, I don't have time to shop like that". Of course, she was obese and her kids were too. I didn't mention to her that I shopped like that, even when I was a medical student, intern and resident I shopped like that. She's probably much busier than I ever was with 3 jobs in residency and a small horse/cattle farm to run, I'm sure. At the produce market, most of the people in the store except for me where either ethnic or elderly. They were all quite slim and healthy looking. I wish I could get my husband to enjoy squash and sweet potatoes more. This year I'm growing them so I hope that coming from our garden will make a difference. They are so full of nutrition! I have gotten him to enjoy a spicier squash or pumpkin soup and he also likes the pecan/sweet potato crunch that I make as a substitute for his families sugar/grease covered sweet potato marshmellow casserole at the holidays. If someone's only experience to squash and sweet potatoes is what is served at Thanksgiving, and they happen not to like marshmellow casserole (yuck!) or pumpkin pie (why is that not more popular?) then I can understand where it wouldn't become very popular.

Lots of us tried this a few years back - and it was really good. it was those darn cookies that created a stir - where to get them - lol. Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis Posted by LoriJean Recipe Summary Difficulty: Medium Prep Time: 30 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes Yield: 8 to 10 servings User Rating: Cook's Note: The no-boil lasagna noodles can be substituted with fresh spinach lasagna sheets. Look for fresh lasagna sheets in the refrigerated section of specialty markets. 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup water 3 amaretti cookies, crumbled 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 1/2 cups whole milk Pinch nutmeg 3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves 12 no-boil lasagna noodles 2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times. Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving. *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.