Roasted Acorn Squash With Pomegranate And Goat Cheese Food

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH MUSHROOMS, PEPPERS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• For the acorn squash: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Trim the tops and bottoms off the squash. Cut in half horizontally so the cut-ends will keep the pieces flat. Clean the inside of the squash. Separate the seeds from the membranes and rinse well. Dry the seeds with a paper towel and set aside.
• Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Place the seeds on a separate baking sheet or foil. Roast the squash 30 minutes. Roast the seeds at the same time, checking and moving them around after 10 minutes and again after 20 minutes. Depending on the size of the seeds, they may be done after 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Sprinkle the seeds with the remaining salt, and set aside with the squash.
• For the filling: Set a large saute pan over high heat and add the butter. When melted, add the cabbage, onions, peppers, sprinkle with salt and pepper and gently toss to combine. Allow the cabbage to wilt down, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and toss to combine. Saute 2 to 4 minutes longer, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• For assembling: Preheat the broiler to low. Fill the roasted acorn squash halves with the filling. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top, then top with the roasted squash seeds. Broil just until the cheese is warm. Garnish with a small amount of Italian parsley, if using, and serve.

HERB-ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH QUESO FRESCO AND POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
• In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, chipotle powder, sage, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the squash slices to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spices and herbs.
• Place the squash on the prepared baking sheet and roast until a fork goes through smoothly, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve warm, topped with the queso fresco and pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle with some fine sea salt and garnish with cilantro leaves.