I had some really good acorn squash the other day and don't know what spices to put on it or how long to keep it in the oven.
HELP!
Posted by lovemychaos (Member # 21633) on :
Some squash connoisseur will probably hate my suggestion, but we're a busy family.
I cut them in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and put them cut side down on a plate. Then I cook them in the microwave for 6-8 minutes.
We like them with salt and butter, or with butter and brown sugar.
Simple, quick and good.
If you're looking for an actual squash recipe, I'm not your girl. But sometimes fast and good is all right too?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I love fast and good! Thanks!
Do some put cinnamon on them?
Posted by lovemychaos (Member # 21633) on :
Yes, I know people who use cinnamon or cinnamon sugar. My kids would probably love that.
I'm the salt a butter user....my kids are the brown sugar squash eaters.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I can never cut these marvelous things. Holding it very steady, I take a strong knife and puncture it, tearing off the stem IF I can do so without injury.
I bake it whole - or almost all the way and then cool a bit and cut, finishing it off after it is soft enough to cut in half.
You can also use a very light touch of stevia or agave with cinnamon. That keeps the sugar low.
I also love some CLOVE and nutmeg with it. Topped with crushed walnuts. -
[ 10-01-2009, 04:11 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Darn! I didn't know it was hard to cut!!
Thanks for the info on other spices!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Yeah, but if you don't cut them be SURE to puncture before putting into the oven unless you want it to explode! Leave the puncture slot side up - not on the bottom of the pan or it won't work.
You may be able to par boil so as to soften up enough to cut after it's cooled a bit - then bake. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Hubby to the rescue! heheehee.. he doesn't know he's going to have a little job! Posted by PB4 (Member # 20799) on :
Try this one: Cut squash in half. Scoop out seeds. Place in baking dish with sides. Add water to about 1" in pan. Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes.This may take longer depending on size.
When they are cooked they will "give" a little if you press on the skin.
Then you can:
1.Fill with chopped apples and chopped pecans. Pour maple syrup on and bake another 15 minutes. or 2. Fill with butter and brown sugar or 3. Fill with a mixture of stuffing, onions, broth,chopped mushrooms,salt and pepper. Make sure this combination is moist. Spoon into "well" in squash. Bake another 20 minutes(not in the water). or 4.While squash are baking, place about 3T butter in a pan. Add thinly sliced apples (you can add sweetner of your choice too)and cook over medium until apples look glossy and soften. Spoon apples into "well" in acorn squash and sprinkle with cinnamon. PB
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
So I put the apples in AFTER the squash is cooked, right?
I'll pass on all the sugar, but the apples sound like a really good idea!
THANKS!!
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
I just had this for the first time last week. I LOVE it. Best squash I ever had. They are insanely hard to cut fresh. I have seriously sharp knives most probably don't have and it was tough. If you don't have steady hands and some power, I'd cook them first a bit as Keebler said to avoid an ER trip.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I hate that they are so hard to cut. Bummer.
Posted by Topaz (Member # 20216) on :
A cutting tip.
With a very sharp and heavy knife, slice just a tiny end off the bottom of the squash(not the stem end).
That'll get rid of that very hard little knobby part and make it much easier to cut in half. Cut it at this end. Also, you can just pry the a heavy knife under the stem and pop it right off.
I cut in half, scoop seeds, and put cut side down in a pan with a little water. Cook at 350 degrees for 45 min. to an hour. Then you can eat it just like that with some butter/salt/pepper or whatever, or scoop the flesh out and have it mashed.
If I'm feeling like being bad, I'll put them in a pan cut side up and put some butter and brown sugar in them. They get nice and toasty this way.
I also love winter squash soup but have never made it. It's on my list of things to do!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, topaz! I haven't even tackled this yet because of the problem with cutting it!!!
Hubby bought me a new knife last week though.. it should work!
Posted by Heleneh (Member # 21207) on :
I put several holes in the acorn squash and put in microwave until it gets soft. Make sure there are several holes in it though. Then I let it cool for a few minutes as it makes it easier to cut it open and scoop out the seeds. Then I put it in the oven to finish cooking with whatever I decide to put inside the squash.
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