Slicing squash doesn’t have to be scary.

These thick skinned, strangely shaped vegetables are a huge hassle to cut and peel.

Thankfully, there is a better way, and it involves your microwave.

Butternut Squash whole and peeled sliced

Credit:Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Instead of putting your fingers at risk, soften it up in the microwave.

Southern Living Roasted Delicata Squash cutting in half lengthwise

Credit:Jessica Furniss

Beef-and-Butternut Stew

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller