Apple Stuffed Squash
Preheat oven to 350. Slice
the top off of your acorn squash, and scoop out all the strings & seeds (save the seeds!). Pour about 1/2 an inch of water into a casserole or pie dish or what-have-you, and place your squash top-down in the middle. Allow the squash to steam in the oven for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, slice up 1/2 of a Gala apple (or other crunchy-sweet variety)–make sure to cut it into small, thin, slices (think overgrown confetti). Toss with some maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a spoonful of Earth Balance or canola oil. Carefully remove the squash from the oven, and use a spoon to pack all your filling into the center. Place on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet and bake another 30-45 minutes (until it smells so good you can’t stand it).Roasted Squash Seeds
Preheat oven to 350 or so. Wash your squash seeds (I used acorn squash, s
ee previous recipe) really really well until there’s no pulp left. Pat them dry and place them in a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until they’re all covered. Spread them out on a baking sheet (or on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet) and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring one or twice, until they’re all nice and brown looking. I’m not sure how to store them, because they never last that long!This last recipe is a favorite of mine from Food Network, and takes advantage of your butternut squash and your swiss chard at the same time in one delicious meal.
Penne with Braised Squash and Greens
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces cubed tofu
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
crushed red pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces whole wheat penne, rigatoni, or fusili
1/2 parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions: Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add onion to the pan; cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Return the tofu to the pan and add broth and squash; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add chard and stir to immerse. Cover and cook until the squash and chard are tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Add the squash mixture, Parmesan, salt and pepper; toss to coat.
