Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

You can use any kind of squash you want.  I grew acorn squash is my garden this year and I had a bumper crop.  Just be sure to use about 2 pounds of squash.  And cooking time will depend on the kind of squash you use.  Check for doneness after about 30 minutes.  If the glaze cools off and becomes too thick to work with, reheat it for 10 seconds in the microwave until it is liquid again.  I only used about half the glaze as I wanted it only slightly sweet.  This was very delicious and healthy for you.

Serves 4.

• 2 small acorn squash (about 1 pound each), halved and seeded
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with vegetable oil spray.  Brush the cut sides of the squash with the oil and lay cut-side down on prepared baking sheet.  Roast until tender (the tip of a paring knife can be slipped into the flesh with no resistance), 40 to 50 minutes.

When the squash is tender, whisk the maple syrup, cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper together in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until it has reduced to a glaze and measures 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 minutes.

Flip the squash over, score the flesh, and spread evenly with the warm maple glaze.  Continue to roast until the glazed side begins to brown and caramelize, 5 to 10 minutes.  Serve.

Per Serving:  210 cal, 2g fat, 0g sat fat, 0 chol, 51g carb, 2g protein, 3g fiber, 160mg sodium

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