Zucchini Pumpkins and Squash (Artful Kitchen)

As informative as she is practical, Stang advises that while some winter squash shells are "so tough they may require an ax or hacksaw to cut them," you can avoid this if you "poke a few holes in the squash and then bake or microwave it before cutting."

The 35 recipes, including some from other chefs, are both surprising and uncomplicated. They range from classics such as Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Sauce to interesting variations like Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread and Pumpkin-Pecan Pie. The pumpkin-shaped Halloween Jack-o'-lantern Bread made with a spiced yeast dough and Vegetarian Summer Squash Lasagna, which uses the squash in place of pasta, are particularly interesting. --Dana Jacobi