Walnut, goat cheese crumble make robust roasted squash

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My friends all love to entertain, but, like me, they work full time and are often dealing with frenetic schedules. The answer for all of us has become the "planned potluck."

That phrase might sound like an oxymoron since the very nature of a potluck is that it is serendipitous, but we have found that discussing the menu and delegating who will be responsible for the main course, the sides and the dessert make for a winning formula.

In our circle, the person who hosts usually prepares the entree, and the rest of us bring special fare to complete the meal.

This weekend, for example, my husband and I are looking forward to a casual Friday-night get-together with some neighbors. As soon as I accepted the invitation, I volunteered to make a side dish.

The hostess had not decided on the entree when we talked, but she was leaning toward roasted chicken. When I mentioned that I had just created a new recipe for roasted butternut squash with a walnut and goat cheese crumble, she loved the idea.

It would pair beautifully with roasted poultry, but would be just as tempting as a garnish to broiled lamb chops, sauteed veal and pork, scallops or grilled steaks.

This dish, simple to prepare and made with a minimal number of ingredients, boasts big, robust flavors. Peeled and cubed butternut squash is tossed with olive oil, seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, then roasted for a little more than half an hour until tender and lightly browned.

The squash can be baked early in the day and reheated. Then, at serving time, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts and chopped parsley are sprinkled on top.

My local supermarkets sell butternut squash already peeled, and if you can find it in this convenient form, it will shave a few minutes off the prep.

Next time, I'm planning to be the host for one of our unique potluck dinners. I've got a delicious new lamb dish I can't wait to share, and I know my inventive friends will come up with just the right accompaniments.