National Acorn Day

It's National Acorn Squash Day! Acorn squash is a hardy squash- you can store it up to three months in a cool place- and is packed with lots of vitamins.

Never cooked an acorn squash before? The Kitchn offers a great tutorial here. Once you get the hang of it, try these sweet recipe that kids and adults will both love.

Photo by Food52

Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple
Serves: 3 as a side
Total Time: 60 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium acorn squash, cored and cut into wedges*
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Red pepper flakes (to your desired spiciness)

*WIC approved items

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Toss the squash wedges in a large bowl with olive oil and maple syrup.
3. Spread into one layer on a baking sheet, and then sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes or until squash is cooking through.

Winter Squash Dessert
Recipe by: Juju Harris of Arcadia Mobile Market
Serves: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of acorn squash, peeled and cut into small slices*
• 4 cups milk*
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar

*WIC approved items

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, add the squash, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract and sugar.
2. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the squash is tender, about 15 - 20 minutes.
3. Serve in bowls with a spoon.