Acorn Squash & Cranberry-orange Sauce

Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Orange Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with the tartness of cranberry-orange sauce. Here’s all the information you requested:

What is it?
Acorn squash is a winter squash variety known for its sweet, nutty flavor and distinctive acorn-like shape. It’s often roasted or baked and makes for a delicious and nutritious side dish. Cranberry-orange sauce is a tangy and sweet condiment made from cranberries and orange zest or juice. When paired together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors, perfect for a holiday meal or any special occasion.

History:
The history of this specific combination may not be as well-documented as some other culinary creations, but it likely originated as a variation of traditional roasted acorn squash paired with cranberry sauce, a popular dish in American Thanksgiving feasts.

Components:

• Acorn Squash: You’ll need one or more acorn squashes, depending on the number of servings.
• Cranberry-Orange Sauce: This sauce typically consists of cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Acorn Squash:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Wash the acorn squash, cut them in half vertically, and scoop out the seeds.
   • You can choose to leave the skin on for a rustic look, or peel it if you prefer.
   • Rub the inside of the squash halves with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.

2. Roast the Squash:

   • Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

3. Prepare the Cranberry-Orange Sauce:

   • While the squash is roasting, prepare the cranberry-orange sauce.
   • In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

4. Serve:

   • Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven.
   • Turn the squash halves cut side up and fill each cavity with the cranberry-orange sauce.
   • You can also drizzle some of the sauce over the top for added flavor.

Time Needed:

• Roasting the acorn squash: 35-45 minutes
• Preparing the cranberry-orange sauce: 10-15 minutes

So, in total, you can prepare Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Orange Sauce in approximately 45-60 minutes. Enjoy this flavorful and visually appealing dish!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Acorn Squash with Cranberry-Orange Sauce:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 cup of prepared dish):

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Carbohydrates: About 40-50 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Around 6-8 grams
• Protein: About 2-3 grams
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Vitamin A: Provides over 70% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
• Vitamin C: Provides over 50% of the RDI
• Potassium: Provides around 15% of the RDI
• Folate: Provides around 10% of the RDI
• Antioxidants: High in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C
• Low in saturated fat and cholesterol
• A good source of dietary fiber

Health Information:

• Low in Calories: Acorn squash is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

• Rich in Vitamins: Acorn squash is a great source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision and immune system function, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.

• High in Fiber: Both acorn squash and cranberries are high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help you feel full, aiding in weight management.

• Low in Fat and Cholesterol: This dish is naturally low in fat and cholesterol, which is heart-healthy.

• Antioxidant-Rich: The cranberries used in the sauce are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Potassium: Acorn squash contains potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

• Folate: Folate is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, and acorn squash provides a moderate amount of it.

• Overall Nutrient Density: This dish offers a good balance of nutrients and is particularly suitable for those seeking a healthy, well-rounded meal.

It’s important to note that the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size, so be mindful of your serving size to ensure accurate nutrient intake.