Citrusy Acorn Squash with Roasted Red Grapes

Healthy and seasonal, acorn squash splashed with an orange citrus wash and roasted red grapes- is a family favorite. Yes! I said roasted red grapes!! 

Autumn has arrived and so have hearty winter squashes. Are you looking for easy recipes for this wonderful seasonal produce? 

I find this acorn squash easy prep, roast, and serve. It looks and tastes very appealing, right? 

You probably didn't know that Acorn Squash is my #1 favorite winter squash. I like its mild sweet flavor that is always enhanced when roasted.

I cut my squash in wedges before cooking it, which helps it cook faster and crisp up better. No need to peel. 

Do I eat the skin? Sometimes (if I buy organic from a local farmers market that isn't sprayed or waxed) - it's soft and delicious. If it's not organic and therefore waxed,  I just slice off the skin from the wedges after its roasted (it will be very easy).

Make it any weeknight for dinner or make it for company.

I roast the seeds from the acorn squash
when I am roasting the squash 

Don't throw away the seeds . The seeds from the acorn squash come out crunchy and crispy and you eat the entire seed. I put them in a little bowl for snacking. Seeds provide excellent nutrients. See instructions for roasting below.

Fresh vegetables are vital for a strong immune system

Who doesn't want a stronger immune system? Especially during this Covid epidemic. Eating foods that provide a healthy amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is always important- but vital now. 

Acorn squash provides: 

• Vitamin A, C, and B vitamins
• Gut friendly fiber
• Calcium and folate
• Low in fat
• Potassium

Ingredients: 

1 acorn squash, cut in half and then cut each half into quarters 

2 oranges, divided (one for juice and one for decoration on the plate)

1/2 cup of red organic grapes, cut in half

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Optional: toasted acorn squash seeds

How To Roast The Squash:

 I cut my squash into wedges, lay it on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, squeeze an orange over the wedges, sprinkle with cinnamon, and then add a cup of halved sweet red grapes on top of the squash. Everything gets roasted at 375 degrees for about 1/2 hour. 

How to Roast The Seeds

Like pumpkins, acorn squash has seeds in its center. When you cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds and wash them well to separate them. Lay the seeds on a cookie sheet that has been covered in parchment paper and roast them in an oven that has preheated to 375 degrees for about 20 minutes until seeds begin to change to a darker color (watch them carefully so they don't burn). Makes a great snack.

My Notes: 

1. The acorn squash does not need any oil to roast because the liquid from the orange juice and the grapes give will help roast the squash. Half way through roasting, you can turn over the squash quarters if you like and squeeze more orange juice half on top.

Try some of my other winter squash recipes 

1. Cider Glazed Butternut Squash

2. Fruit Stuffed Acorn Squash for Thanksgiving

3. Acorn Squash and Apple Soup for Fall

4. Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree

5. Blender Pumpkin Pie (vegan)

I shared this post on (link) Weekend Cooking at The Intrepid Reader and Baker  where anyone can share a food related post. 

Also shared on the Unlimited Link Party at GrammysGrid.com 

If you are looking for ways to lose weight, feel better, and eat healthier, I've included my reading list (with links) for you for ideas. 

My Reading List

1. How Not to Die- Dr. Greger

2. How Not to Diet- Dr. Greger

3. The China Study- T. Campbell

4. Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease - Dr. Esselstyn

5. The Starch Solution - Dr. McDougall (my favorite)

6. Reversing Diabetes- Dr. Neal Barnard

7. Mastering Diabetes- by Cyrus Khambatta, PhD- 

8. The Pleasure Trap- Doug Lisle

9. Documentary: Forks over Knives ( rent it)

10. Forks Over Knives Website 

11. Dr. McDougall Free Website

12, Easy Plant-Based Soups: Farm To Ladle Cookbook

13.. Watch Plantiful Kiki on Youtube for recipes and great ideas for health and vegan weight loss in alignment with The Starch Solution. 

Or look up any of these Doctors on Youtube