National Acorn Squash Day is September 7th, and this Baked Acorn Squash with Apples & Pears is a really special side dish recipe.
Acorn squash is one of several varieties of Winter squash. Most common are dark green or orange acorn squash, butternut squash & spaghetti squash. Others include Hubbard, buttercup, turban, Cushaw squash & pumpkins.
Winter squash store quite well throughout the Winter months.
Squash, though full of nutrition, is somewhat bland. So, it welcomes filling & addition of strong flavors, herbs & brown sugar.
Winter squash are great mashed with cream, butter & spices of choice. They do well added to soups & stews, gratins & savory pastries.
In order to prepare squash for cooking, it should be thoroughly scrubbed. If baking whole pieces, skin is left on, and for other cooking methods, the skin should be peeled off.
How to Bake Acorn Squash with Apples & Pears:
The following recipe for baked acorn squash with pear & apple is most delicious.
Type: Side Dish Recipe
Serve with: extra butter, if desired
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 45 – 50 min
Yields: 4 – 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash
- 2 tbsp + 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp + 3 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1/8 inch water – in bottom of pan
- 3 firm apples – peeled, cored & sliced
- 2 ripe pears – peeled, cored & sliced
- 1/3 cup raisins
- orange zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup orange juice or apple cider
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, and grease or butter a large baking casserole dish to accommodate 2 acorn squash.
- In a baking dish, place 2 acorn squash, cut in half, seeded & all strings removed.
- Fill the indents with dots of 2 tbsp butter & sprinkle with 2 tbsp brown sugar.
- Put 1/8 inch water in the bottom of the pan, and bake for at least 45 – 50 min.
- In a bowl, mix together apples, pears, raisins, 3 tbsp dark brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon & nutmeg.
- In a large pan, melt 3 tbsp butter, and add in apple mixture.
- Stir until lightly browned – about 4 – 5 min.
- Stir in orange juice or apple cider, and simmer until the fruit is tender.
- Remove squash from the oven & fill up with the fruit mixture.
- Bake about 10 – 15 min longer. * Tip: Any extra fruit mixture can be served in a bowl at the table.
This baked acorn squash with apples & pears is simply a perfect addition to your repertoire, as well as for National Acorn Squash Day.
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I hope you enjoy this Squash Recipe on Cooking with Kimberly. Until next time…
Be a Champion in Your Kitchen & Eat Deliciously!
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