(This first appeared in the October print edition of the Hendersonian.)
When we think of fall, one of the first things that comes to mind is the changing colors of the leaves. The next thing that comes to mind for me is the delicious seasonal produce from apples to broccoli, cabbage, parsnips, and turnips, to name a few.
Winter squash is also a popular choice. They come in assorted shapes, but they all generally have a wonderful, sweet flavor and are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
Popular varieties include acorn, butternut, delicata, honeynut, pumpkin, and spaghetti and have become seasonal favorites prepared in a variety of ways.
This month’s recipe pairs the rich sweetness of acorn squash with the savory goodness of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Herb Parmesan Crusted Acorn Squash
Ingredients
2 acorn squash (small to medium sized)
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon dried Italian or Greek seasoning
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Slice the top of the squash, then place it on the flat end and slice it in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then slice each half into slices about 1-inch thick. Discard top and bottom of squash.
Add the squash to a large mixing bowl and add olive oil. Toss squash to coat slices. In a small bowl mix together cheese & dry ingredients. Sprinkle over squash slices and use a spoon to toss the ingredients together, until well mixed and the slices are lightly coated. Place the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking tray. If there’s extra herb parmesan mixture in the bowl, sprinkle over the top side of the slices. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until soft and lightly golden on top. Arrange the roasted acorn squash slices to a platter to serve.
Merritt Bates-Thomas is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who has been sharing recipes with a healthier twist on WBKR FM 92.5’s What’s Cooking since 2017. In May 2023, she joined ABC 25 Local Lifestyles to share recipes and tips for flavorful cooking. She also appears on CW7’s Daybreak Extra’s Joe’s Kitchen and is a contributor to Kentucky Monthly. You can follow her on Instagram @thekitchentransition and now on Facebook at The Kitchen Transition.
