Grandma's Recipe Box: Baked Acorn Squash

In the south, baked sweet potatoes are a familiar side dish at holiday gatherings.  The dessert at these family gatherings is often pumpkin pie too.  Many people are not aware that they can  switch these tow items (sweet potato pies) or subsitute Autumn  squashes like Acorn and Butternut in some of these favorite recipes or just serve them instead.  An easy substitute for sweet potato preparation is the baking of Acorn Squash.  

The squash can be served individually by giving each person half on a salad plate or the insides may be removed and mashed into a dish to pass around the table. If you need more than 6 servings, adjust the ingredients to match the number of halves you bake.  If serving buffet style, consider including optional toppings of mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, syrup. or bacon bits that people may top their portion with to customize to their tastes.

Baked Acorn Squash

Serves 6

Ingredients:

3 Acorn Squash
3 Tablespoons melted butter
6 Tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut each squash in half, lengthwise; remove seeds.
3. Place in baking dish, cut-side down.
4. Bake 35-40 minute.  
5. Turn squash over. Brush butter inside each halfm then add a tablespoon of brown sugar to center of each.
6. Continue baking 20-25 minutes more.