Stuffed butternut

Place the butternut halves with cut sides facing down on the glass platter of the microwave oven. Microwave for 12-14 minutes on 100 per cent power or until the butternuts are soft but still slightly firm. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 5 mm on the inside of the shell. Reserve the scooped out flesh. Place about three rashers of bacon on a paper plate, cover with paper towelling and microwave on 100 per cent power for one minute or until the bacon is cooked. Drain and chop. Repeat the process with the remaining rashers of bacon. Heat the oil for 30 seconds on 100 per cent power and add the chopped onion. Sauté for one minute on 100 per cent power. Combine the butternut flesh, bacon, onion, sweetcorn and Cheddar cheese, season to taste with salt and pepper and fill the butternut halves with the mixture. Microwave for five minutes more on 100 per cent power or until the butternuts are heated through. Serves 6.