MASHED ACORN SQUASH WITH APPLES


A few weeks ago, I was overtaken by unrestrained enthusiasm with the arrival of autumn squash at the farmers' market. I was practically prancing around picking up one beautiful specimen after another until I accumulated close to a dozen varieties, including the traditional butternut and acorn, among several more that I've never cooked with such as hubbard, delicata and red kuri.


Needless to say there has been quite a storm of experimentation in my kitchen. As I work my way through the basket of squash, I've found a couple of good and simple ways to prepare this autumn vegetable, and wanted to share one recipe in particular I found in Food and Wine magazine for mashed acorn squash with apples.

This is recipe incorporates many of the flavors of autumn with apples, honey and cinnamon. The roasting of the acorn squash and apples concentrates the sweet flavors of each, and brings together an interesting juxtaposition of two very different textures, the softness of the acorn squash and the denseness of apples.

MASHED ACORN SQUASH WITH APPLES
(adapted from Food and Wine magazine)

Ingredients

  • Four 1 1/2-pound acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 large Golden Delicious apples
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Scant 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Method
    1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a nonstick baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Season the cut sides of the squash with salt and pepper and set them, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the flesh is tender and caramelized on the bottom. Let cool on the baking sheet.
    2. Meanwhile, peel and core the apples and cut them lengthwise into eighths. Slice each piece crosswise 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the sugar and cinnamon. Coat another large nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the apples on it. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tender and brown. 
    3. Peel the squash and transfer it to a bowl along with any caramelized bits from the pan. Mash coarsely. Add the apple pieces with any caramelized bits. 
    4. In a large saucepan, bring the honey and butter just to a boil. Add the squash, stir well and season with salt and pepper. Warm over moderate heat. Transfer to a large bowl and serve. 
    Serves 6-8

    16 comments:

    Miranda said...

    This is a wonderful switch from the average applesauce. It looks wonderful. I bet it smelled even better.....
    Thanks for sharing and thanks for passing the word around about my giveaway.

    Heather S-G said...

    Sounds perfect! I don't know why some people think there is no fresh produce this time of year...the variety of squash alone is overwhelming!! I could go for a squash & apple breakfast :D

    T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

    Gorgeous photos! I have two acorn squash and some apples, so I'm thinking I'll give this a try.

    Simply Life said...

    I've only cooked with squash once and it definitely didn't turn out the way it was supposed to! This sounds great - thanks!

    Nancy said...

    Delicious! Apple and winter squash are such a fantastic combination. I recently made a butternut and apple pureed soup; will have to try your recipe next time.

    Mardi Michels said...

    I love squash with apples! Beautiful pictures!

    chow and chatter said...

    oh what a great idea to mash with apple like it

    Flour said...

    Sounds like a perfect dish for the season! You sound like me...picking "pretty", and unfamiliar foods to cook with out of sheer gusto! But, once I get in the kitchen I find myself staring at my somewhat impulsive buy like, "Now,...what to make with this?" LOL

    Fresh Local and Best said...

    Thanks for visiting everyone! There are so many creative ways to prepare squash, and of course, I love learning each of the techniques.

    Glad to know that this recipe looks interesting!

    KennyT said...

    Lucky you, you have a fantastic farmer's market around.

    The Diva on a Diet said...

    Oh how I love acorn squash! I'll eat it any way its served! Have never roasted apples with it, though its such a natural combination. Will definitely try this. Thanks!

    Juliana said...

    Wow, this mashed acorn with apple sounds yummie, I am sure that apple will give an extra special flavor to the acorn :-) Great idea!

    Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

    Sounds perfect and a beautiful assortment of pumpkins and squash. Love the apple with it.
    Sam

    Anonymous said...

    Acorn squash and apples sound wonderful, this would be a great side dish!

    Unknown said...

    this sound so good. I made acorn squash last year for the very first time and loved it. My family...not so much (weird-o's) but I bet I could get them to eat this :)

    Deb in Hawaii said...

    Great combination of ingredients! Perfect for fall.