Pretty Good for a Thursday!

There is a winter squash that I really think is under-appreciated: Acorn Squash. It looks a little intimidating because you don't find a ton in the grocery store at one time and it has a dark green skin that is thick and really quite beautiful. Needless to say, it is one of my favorite squashes...ok really its my favorite.

(that's not my squash...i googled it...)

Tonight, I had the acorn squash with chicken and fresh green beans. I'm sure it's against some cardinal cooking rule to have summer beans with a winter squash, but I am pretty sure you've figured out that I do things my own way.


So about that squash...


1 acorn squash
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt and pepper for taste

1. With a big knife, cut your acorn squash in half going in the same direction as the ripples on the surface of the squash. (So if you set the squash so that the lines are horizontal, you want to half it that way)
2. Using a spoon, clean out the seeds and membrane-y stuff that is on the inside. It's like a pumpkin, but less guts.
3. Now set your squash in your baking dish and its time to make the butter mixture. In a small bowl, mix the butter, cinnamon and nutmeg together. Pop it in the microwave for 25 seconds and then mix it all together.
4. Coat the cleaned insides of the squash with the butter mixture. I used a pastry brush and painted it on. Sprinkle it with a bit of salt and pepper and then put it in the oven.
5. Bake it for about 1 hour at 400 degrees. You want the 'meat' of the squash to be nice and soft all the way through.

Acorn squash has a slightly sweet and buttery flavor that is so delectable. I really recommend you try it once. I bet you'll love it. There are some people that add brown sugar or molasses or maple syrup to the mixture, but I honestly think the acorn squash has an amazing flavor all on its own so it doesn't need it. Just my opinion. Add a table spoon or two if you want! Shake things up!

Just in case you're not so good at math, splitting the squash in half gives you two parts. One part is a serving, so you should invite a friend over to share in the goodness of acorn squash.

Happy Cooking, Y'all!

amy