Microwave Acorn Squash

I was in the checkout line at WallyWorld last week and the cashier seemed totally blown away that I was buying acorn squash. "What is that?" she said.  "How do you cook it?"

"Uh, acorn squash," I replied, flabbergasted, "and you just microwave it."

It amazes me how many people are completely clueless when it comes to food prep. They miss out on so many great foods just because they don't know how to prepare them or aren't willing to try! As much as I love new and creative recipes, cooking does NOT need to be complicated. Most foods taste better without a whole lot of other stuff mucking them up anyway. This squash recipe is so simple and so delicious, yet how many people regularly serve acorn squash? Not a lot, I'm sure.  It's just as yummy as sweet potatoes and looks so beautiful on the plate. You could also bake these, but it takes a whole lot longer and doesn't taste that much different. Since it's still 90 degrees here in NC, I definitely prefer 15 minutes in the microwave over 75 minutes in the oven!

Microwave Acorn Squash

Cook time: 15 min
Serves 4

2 medium acorn squash
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
3 Tbs honey

Place whole squash on a microwave-safe plate, microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Cut in half; remove seeds and strings. Cut a thin slice from bottom of squash with a sharp knife to allow it to sit flat. Wrap each squash half with plastic wrap.  Place squash, cut side down on, in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 4-5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Turn squash over, unwrap and brush insides with butter mixture. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until squash is tender.  Drizzle with honey.

297 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!