It might not be winter, but it's winter squash season in Oklahoma. Squash are part of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes everything from cucumbers and cantaloupes to gourds and pumpkins. Winter squash are distinguishable from summer squash varieties-such as zucchini and patty pan-by their hard rinds, which make them storable in a cool, dry location well into the winter months (hence the name). Their slightly sweet flesh works in both sweet and savory preparations, and - with the exception of spaghetti squash- winter squash varieties can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

With school back in session, weeknights tend to be busy. Skip the takeout and try these one-skillet dinners—plus a dessert—that are ready in about 30 minutes and require minimal cleanup.

August in Oklahoma means a garden ripe with summer’s best produce. If you have a garden, chances are you have more tomatoes and okra than you know what to do with right now—or if not, you will soon.

This month is the perfect time to eat out—outside that is! June is also the month we celebrate our fathers. Try out these recipes to treat dad to a special meal! 

This month of May we celebrate the women who have made an impact in our lives—our mothers. We are grateful to each of our readers who submitted an entry in the Mom’s Best Recipe Contest. We are honored that you shared your family recipes with us—as well as the beautiful stories that came with them. 

Linemen pass on knowledge to the next generation

Larry Cisneros, a professional engineer with Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (NEOEC) based in Vinita, Oklahoma, will travel to Haiti on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 and return on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 to serve as an instructor volunteer with NRECA International.  

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Statewide Editors Association, Spotlight on Excellence and the Cooperative Communicators Association recently awarded OKL with several national recognitions. Congratulations to Oklahoma Living’s loyal contributors for their dedication and hard work toward your OKL!

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Oklahoma and K20 Center honor innovative technology use in the classroom.

Trees in the right-of-way make dangerous shade.

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Alissa Schlessman! Last month’s photo was in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Enter your photos for next month's theme, "Patriots!" Submit photos by June 10!

Send us a photo of you with your OKL for a chance to be published and win 25!

Join the fun on social media with the hashtag #myokl!

We’d love you to share your favorite family recipe with us for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of Oklahoma Living.  

Our judges were impressed by Oklahoma Living readers’ talent and eye for beautiful shots across our state. Now, we are proud to share with you the top 10 submissions. Enjoy the winners of the 2016 contest! 

Growing a dedicated cutting garden sounds difficult, but it isn’t. In many ways, it’s similar to growing a vegetable garden, but instead of picking tomatoes, you gather cut flowers. For the last six years, in addition to my perennial and vegetable gardens, I’ve grown a flower garden simply for the pleasure of bringing blooms indoors.

Here are 10 steps from planning to harvest.

My garden is a haven for pollinators like butterflies, native bees and hover flies. It’s also full of singing birds and crawling caterpillars, two creatures that go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

Crafting a beautiful fall garden begins in spring. What you plant in late April should carry you through to autumn even after a hot Oklahoma summer.

Native plants are those found naturally occurring in a particular area. They are acclimated to its climate, insects, diseases and changing weather patterns. Many of the shrubs offered at garden centers originate from Asia. 

Do you have leftover seeds from your spring planting? In an Oklahoma vegetable garden, fall is often a better and longer season than spring. Days grow shorter, and nights are cooler giving plants a respite from the heat.