ROASTED ACORN SQUASH RINGS

 

Just one bite and these melt-in-your-mouth nutty rings glazed with maple syrup will convince even your most veggie-adverse kid to like squash. The only real dilemma is that the adults may eat all the rings before the kids get a chance.

 

You’ll need:

  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 1-1/2 pounds each)
  • Coarse salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)

 

Cut squash in half across width; remove and discard seeds. Continue to cut widthwise into 1/2-inch slices and discard the ends.

 

Place rings in a greased 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Combine syrup and melted butter; pour over squash. Sprinkle with pecans if desired.

 

Roast at 400° for about 5 minutes. Remove baking sheets from oven. Using tongs, turn over pieces. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Roast another 20 minutes or until tender.

 

(Instead of Maple syrup and butter, an alternative is to sprinkle with 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, roast, flip, sprinkle another 1/4 cup sugar and finish roasting.)

 

GROW: acorn squash