Ingredients:
– 3 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons maple syrup
– ¾ cup chopped pecans
– ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
– Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Place the halved acorn squash, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and any stringy bits from the orange flesh.
3. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over the squash halves, using just enough to coat them.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour until the squash turns golden and tender.
5. While the squash bakes, in a mixing bowl, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, chopped pecans, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper.
6. Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and evenly spoon the pecan and butter mixture into each of the six halves.
7. Return the squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pecan mixture caramelizes beautifully.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of tender acorn squash complemented by the rich sweetness of maple syrup, warm spices, and toasted pecans in this delectable dish!