Chamomile Glazed Roasted Acorn Squash Food

MAPLE-ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the squash, cut sides up, on a sheet pan. Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife.
• Place the squash on a serving platter. If the halves are too large for one serving, cut each piece in half through the stem. Drizzle lightly with extra maple syrup, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve hot.

BALSAMIC ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Halve, seed and thinly slice 1 large acorn squash; toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Divide between 2 baking sheets and roast at 425 degrees F until browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and top with chopped toasted almonds and grated ricotta salata.

POMEGRANATE-GLAZED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Halve and seed 1 acorn squash; slice into thin wedges. Toss with olive oil and roast at 425 degrees F, 20 minutes. Cook 1 cup pomegranate juice with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a deep skillet until thickened, 5 minutes. Add the squash and 2 tablespoons each butter and pomegranate seeds; toss to coat. Sprinkle with torn mint.

CHAMOMILE GLAZED ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Turn oven on to 350
• Cut acorn squash in half and clean out seeds.
• Brew the chamomile tea bag for 4 minutes in a 1/2 cup boiling water.
• Add sugar, oil sage, pepper and salt to tea brew.
• Coat inside of halved squash with mixture.
• Place in a baking dish and bake in oven for one hour.
• (For quicker preparation cook squash in microwave for 4 minutes before baking in the oven).
• Cut each half into four slices and garnish with a sprig of fresh sage.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH POMEGRANATE AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
• Wash the two whole squash under running water and pat dry. Cut the squash in half by inserting the tip of a chef's knife in the center of the squash where the stem connects. Push the tip in until it has cut all the way through the skin and flesh, then press down firmly on the handle, bringing the heel of the blade all the way to the cutting board. Turn the squash 180 degrees and repeat on the other side, splitting the squash. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the squash into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Heat a 14-inch cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the squash in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and sear on the first side until lightly golden brown, about 3 minutes, in batches if needed. Place the seared squash on the prepared sheet tray, seared-side down, and season the top side with salt and pepper. Scatter the thyme sprigs over the squash and put into the oven. Roast until the edges are brown and the squash is tender in the middle, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the squash to a large bowl, season with more salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Drizzle with the warmed syrup and toss to combine. Pour onto a platter and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and goat cheese.

PERFECT ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
• To prepare the squash, use a sharp chef's knife to slice through it from the tip to the stem. I find it easiest to pierce the squash in the center along a depression line, then cut through the tip, and finish by slicing through the top portion just next to the stem. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits inside, and discard those pieces.
• Place the squash halves cut side up on the parchment-lined pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash, and sprinkle with the salt. Rub the oil into the cut sides of the squash, then turn them over so the cut sides are against the pan.
• Bake until the squash flesh is very easily pierced through by a fork, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size of your squash. Add any desired toppings, and serve warm.

PARMESAN ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Toss squash slices, Parmesan cheese, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until the squash is evenly coated; spread into a jelly roll pan.
• Roast in preheated oven until golden brown and tender, 25 to 30 minutes.