Giving acorn squash a second chance

Not too long after I started this blog last year, I decided to try and post about a new veggie: acorn squash. I categorized the end result in the thanks-but-no-thanks bin. Actually, our {now dearly departed} dog, Alaska, was the only fan and she certainly enjoyed her share.

Yum

But, the last two organic veggie deliveries included an acorn squash. Darnit. Since there was no getting away from them, I decided maybe it was the way I made it last time (sweetened with honey and roasted) that we didn’t like. Maybe?

So, I went out Google hunting…and almost every recipe was a sweet one! I couldn’t believe it. Apparently, the most popular way to eat acorn squash is sweetening it (with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar) and roasting it in the oven.

I refused and finally found a key piece of knowledge from The Kitchn: you can treat most autumn squash the same… Acorn, spaghetti, butternut or even pumpkin can all be substituted. HOORAY!

So, I started getting more creative with my searches and found these five amazing recipes:

• Roasted Butternut Squash Puree with Goat Cheese
• Spinach and Acorn Squash Ravioli
• Butternut Risotto
• Penne with Acorn Squash Pancetta
• Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili in Pumpkin Bowls

I decided to give the last one a try. I did some modifications–I substituted acorn squash and served it in regular bowls. It wasn’t quite as cute but it was amazingly delicious.

SUCCESS!

It was so hearty and comforting while being packed with veggies. Since it was meatless, I enticed the biggest acorn squash skeptic with his favorite biscuits.

This is his I'm-going-to-be-a-good-sport-but-I'm-awfully-skeptical face.

It was only 50 degrees, but that’s winter in Florida and this chili was perfect. We ate it on the couch watching Raising Hope and it was a fantastic night-in meal. I’m now excited to try some of the others eventually. Although it won’t be a go-to veggie, I’m glad to have found ways to make acorn squash and not waste them.

Sometimes, things deserve a second chance!