Acorn Squash With Spinach And Ricotta Food

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH RISOTTO

Steps:

• For the squash: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Divide 3 of the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the 6 squash halves cut-side up in a large, high-sided ovenproof skillet or pot (you may need to do this in batches or two pots). Sprinkle the cut sides all over with salt, then pour the milk into the cavities, filling halfway. Pour water into the pot until it reaches halfway up the sides of the squash. Carefully place in the oven and roast uncovered until fork-tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel, seed and dice the remaining squash. Place in a roasting pan along with the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss and roast until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• For the risotto: Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until they are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with the olive oil and onion mixture. Add the white wine and stir until the liquid has absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until all the liquid has absorbed before adding another 1/2 cup. (This process will take approximately 25 minutes and the risotto will become creamy from the starch releasing.) When all of the liquid has been added and absorbed, stir in the Parmesan and the roasted, diced squash. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (If the risotto seems too dry, just add some more broth).
• Stuff the roasted squash halves with the risotto and serve.

ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH STUFFING

Steps:

• Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of 1/2 in. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes., Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute celery and onions in oil until tender. Add the spinach and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. , In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, pecans and remaining salt. Drain water from baking pan. Turn squash cut side up. Stuff with spinach mixture; sprinkle crumb mixture over top. Dot with butter. Bake 15 minutes longer or until the squash is tender.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH AND GRUYERE

Steps:

• Rinse the squash and cut each in half lenghthwise: scoop out and discard seeds; Place squash halves, cut side down, in a 10-by-15 inch pan.
• Bake in a 400 degree regular or convection oven until squash is just tender when pierced, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, squeeze moisture from spinach; in a bowl, mix spinach, 3/4 cup cheese and walnuts; season to taste with salt and pepper.
• With tongs or a spatula, turn squash halves over and spoon spinach mixture equally into cavities of squash; Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
• Return squash to oven and bake until cheese melts and filling is hot in the center, 15 to 20 minutes, Serve.

RICOTTA STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• With sharp knife, carefully cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon.
• Rub flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and salt.
• Wrap each half in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until flesh is fork tender. Remove from oven and unwrap squash.
• To toast nuts, place in an ungreased pie tin and bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
• Mix ricotta with honey, oregano, and hazelnuts.
• Evenly fill the baked squash halves with the ricotta mixture.
• If you want the ricotta to be warm, return to oven, on baking sheet, for 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven.
• Sprinkle with wheatgerm and black pepper and serve. Note, squash can be cooked a day in advance and reheated with the ricotta mixture at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until toasted, about 5 minutes.
• Brush acorn squash with walnut oil and sprinkle with pepper. Place cut-side down in a baking pan. Pour in 1/4 cup water.
• Bake squash in the preheated oven until mostly tender, about 30 minutes. Drain water and turn squash over. Cut a shallow X into the flesh of each half.
• Mix toasted almonds, spinach, ricotta cheese, brown rice, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, and sage together in a bowl. Stir in half-and-half gently until filling is moist but still dry enough to hold its shape. Season with salt and pepper.
• Stuff squash halves with filling, pressing gently until topped by 1 inch. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper on top.
• Bake until golden brown on top, about 20 minutes.