Spicy Acorn Squash Food

SPICED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; spoon into squash halves. Sprinkle with raisins. Top each with 1 tablespoon butter. Wrap each half individually in heavy-duty foil, sealing tightly., Pour water into a 5-qt. slow cooker. Place squash in slow cooker, cut side up (packets may be stacked). Cook, covered, on high 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until squash is tender. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.

SPICY ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• Halve the acorn squash and remove all seeds. Keep them halved, or quarter or slice them, depending on your preference.
• Mix the spices (cayenne optional) in a bowl until fully combined.
• Place the acorn squash on a foil-lined baking sheet, then sprinkle the spice mix over all of the squash pieces.
• Place the squash in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

ROASTED SPICED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss squash with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Arrange squash, cut side down, in a single layer and roast until tender, 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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.

SPICY ACORN SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• Place 1/4 cup chicken broth in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.
• Add onion and crushed red pepper; cook 5 minutes or until tender.
• Add remaining 2-3/4 cups broth, squash, salt, and water; bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Add rice; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until squash and rice are tender.
• Place peanut butter and half of soup in a blender; cover and process until smooth.
• Pour puree into a bowl.
• Repeat with remaining soup, and add to bowl, stirring well.

SPICY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Place halves of acorn squash, cavity facing down, in a 9x13-inch baking pan with 1/2 inch of water. Bake 350 oven for 30 minutes or until squash is tender when center is pierced with a fork.
• While squash is baking, mix together the next 10 ingredients.
• Stuff the squash halves.
• Pour 1 tsp apple juice over each, sprinkle with coriander, and bake in 350 oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and light brown on top. Serves 4.

BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH SPICY MAPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Split the squash into thirds and remove the seeds.
• Cut a slice off the bottom of each piece so that it sits evenly, skin-side down, in a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
• In the hollow of each piece, place 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Bake in the heated oven until fork tender, about 45 minutes.