Sure! Let’s dive into the delightful world of Acorn Squash with Filberts or Pecans. This recipe promises a symphony of flavors, marrying the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with the rich nuttiness of filberts or pecans, all brought together with a hint of warmth from cinnamon and the citrusy brightness of orange zest and juice. It’s a perfect dish to grace your table, whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering.
Acorn Squash with Filberts or Pecans
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 3 acorn squash
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 cup pecans or filberts (hazelnuts)
- Water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Squash:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and stringy pulp.
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Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the butter using a fork until softened.
- Cream in the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Beat in the orange juice until the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the pecans or filberts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
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Bake the Squash:
- Pour about 1/2 inch of water into a large baking pan.
- Arrange the squash halves, cut side up, in the pan.
- Divide the prepared butter mixture evenly among the squash cavities, ensuring each half is generously filled.
- Cover the baking pan with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
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Uncover and Finish Baking:
- After 40 minutes, carefully remove the lid or foil from the baking pan.
- Using a spoon, spread any melted butter mixture around the inside of each squash half.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and beautifully browned.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the squash is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the acorn squash halves as they are, or carefully transfer them to a serving platter for a beautiful presentation.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Garnish with additional orange zest or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra flourish of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 267.1
- Total Fat: 14.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 20.3mg
- Sodium: 258.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 10.5g
- Protein: 3.6g
Recipe Notes:
- Acorn squash can vary in size, so adjust the cooking time accordingly if your squash is larger or smaller than average.
- If filberts (hazelnuts) are not readily available, feel free to substitute them with pecans or another favorite nut variety.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
- Experiment with additional spices or flavorings, such as nutmeg or vanilla extract, to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this Acorn Squash with Filberts or Pecans recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍽️🎉
