The simplest method that I use to determine if a winter squash is mature is to try to stick my finder nail into it. If the nail goes in and the skin is moist is probably isn't mature. The harder if feels the better. I bake mine in the micro-wave. I clean a piece, wrap in plastic wrap and nuke for 5 minutes. If it is not soft I do it for a few more minutes until soft. Then add the butter or I sometimes add sour cream. Salt and pepper.
