moroccan party part one

Here are some recipes from a Moroccan-themed birthday party I hosted last weekend. Both the squash and the salmon were well recieved even by people who claimed not to like squash or salmon. I think that's just proof that they haven't tried enough different recipes. And they're both ridiculously easy.


Moroccan Baked Squash:

2 pounds winter squash (I used butternut)
water
spicy Moroccan butter, at room temperature (see recipe below)
salt

1/ Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2/ Halve the squash and scoop out the fibers/seeds. If squash are large, cut into manageable pieces.
3/ Pour about 1/4 cup water into a baking dish and set the squash pieces in the dish.
4/ Spread 2 teaspoons of Moroccan butter on each piece and sprinkle with salt.
5/ Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6/ Remove the squash from the oven and poke some holes in it with a fork so that the butter can seep in.
7/ Return to oven and bake until done, about 10 minutes more.


Spicy Moroccan Butter:

1/2 bunch of scallions, white parts only, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. chopped mint
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature


1/ Combine all ingredients except butter in a bowl and stir.
2/ Add butter, working until well blended.
3/ Add more cayenne to taste.

This butter can be frozen if made in advance.