🌟 Welcome to the delightful world of Lovewithrecipes.com! Today, we have a scrumptious treat for you – the Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash, a heavenly dish that perfectly marries the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with the vibrant burst of fresh cranberries and apples! 🍏🍒
✨ Ingredients:
- 4 acorn squash
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, grab those acorn squash and skillfully cut them in half lengthwise. Make sure to remove the seeds, leaving a perfect hollow for our delicious filling.
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Nesting in the Dish: Take a spacious 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish and place the halved acorn squash in it, cut side down. This step sets the stage for a symphony of flavors to develop as they bake.
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First Bake: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the acorn squash work their magic for the first 35 minutes. This initial bake sets the foundation for that mouthwatering tenderness we’re aiming for.
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The Grand Turn: After 35 minutes, gently turn the acorn squash cut side up. This move is crucial for the next act – the introduction of our delightful filling!
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Fruitful Fusion: Now, let’s prepare the filling! In a bowl, combine the diced apple, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and the luxurious melted butter. This concoction is where the magic happens.
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Fill ’em Up: Take this delectable fruit mixture and generously fill the hollows of the acorn squash. This step ensures every bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and earthiness.
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Second Bake: Pop the filled acorn squash back into the oven and let them continue their journey to perfection for an additional 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; we want the squash to be tender, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together.
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The Grand Finale: Once the timer dings, your Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash is ready to take center stage on your dining table! The tender squash, the burst of cranberries, the sweetness of apples – it’s a celebration of flavors.
🌈 Nutritional Spotlight:
- Calories: 177.2 per serving
- Fat Content: 3.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.6mg
- Sodium Content: 32.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 39.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 15.3g
- Protein Content: 1.8g
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
This Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash is a versatile delight. Serve it as a show-stopping side dish at your holiday feast or as a wholesome addition to your weeknight dinners. It’s not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience!
👨👩👧👦 Feeding a Crowd:
With a recipe that yields 8 servings, this dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Watch as their faces light up with joy as they savor the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful creation.
🌟 User Reviews:
Our Lovewithrecipes community has spoken! With an outstanding aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 19 reviews, this Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash has become a beloved favorite. Join the chorus of satisfied home chefs who have made this recipe a regular feature on their tables.
🍂 Perfect for Every Season:
While the warm, comforting notes make this dish a winter winner, don’t hesitate to bring it to your summer gatherings. The freshness of the cranberries and apples adds a delightful touch, making it a year-round star.
🎉 Conclusion:
There you have it – a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece. The Baked Cranberry Acorn Squash is not just a recipe; it’s an ode to the joy of cooking and sharing meals that warm the heart and soul. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of this delightful dish fill your kitchen with love and happiness. Happy cooking! 🧡🍽️
