What Squash/ instead of a Butternut?

I also think butternut are too much effort for too little return, and it's always a gamble to see if they ripen/mature sufficiently.

I'm a big fan of mature Gem Squash which do really well im my garden - they can be eaten immature like courgettes too - there's a friendly disagreement between me and another contributor elsewhere on this site that gives testamony to this. Jamie Oliver calls them 'Cricket Ball Squash' in one of his books.

Crown Prince as has been said is great although I get good results with Anna Swartz Hubbard Squash.

Spagetti squash also makes a great jam/confectioner's condiment - I think that I've posted a recipe for 'Doce de Gila' in the past.

SS