How To Cook Acorn Squash

There is a time in your life that you are going to receive a squash from a gardener friend and secretly say to yourself, “How do I cook acorn squash?” Acorn squash is a sweet tasting winter variety squash that is high in fiber and nutrition and best of all is that it is easy to make. There are several ways to cook acorn squash depending on the time available and flavors desired in the finished product.

To cook acorn squash, you will need:

• Sharp knife
• Microwave
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Spoon
• Seasoning
• Maple syrup or brown sugar
• Microwave dish

1. Slice the acorn squash in half from the step to the point with a sharp knife. Poke several holes in the squash and heat it in a microwave for two minutes to make it easier to cut. Remove the fiber and seeds from the center before you cook acorn squash.

2. Bake to cook acorn squash by pre-heating an oven to 350 degrees F. Pierce the skin of each squash half 3 to 4 times and set it on a baking sheet with the cut side up. Bake the squash for one hour. Test for doneness by gently squeezing the squash to see if it is soft to the touch. Remove the squash from the oven when it is soft and scoop out the insides. Season with butter, salt and pepper and serve immediately.

3. Roast to cook acorn squash by pre-heating an oven to 400 degrees F. Place the squash cut side up on a baking sheet. Rub butter on the flesh, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle maple syrup or brown sugar over top. Bake the squash for 40 minutes until the flesh is tender when a fork is inserted. Remove the squash from the oven, scoop out the flesh and serve immediately.

4. Microwave to cook acorn squash for a quick preparation. Place the squash in a microwavable dish with a cover and cook on high for 13 minutes. Remove the squash and scoop out the flesh. Season with butter, salt and pepper and serve immediately. Do not add water to the dish during cooking as this will make the squash mushy.