Nothing beats roasted root vegetables when it comes to a simple, no-fuss, no-mess winter dish that makes you homesick. Also, it's really yummy.
I had a nice afternoon jog along the beach in San Francisco, barking at bicycles and chasing the children. But I totally forgot about lunch! When I finally remembered and made it home, it was way past the lunch hour, and almost dinnertime. Winter days are short, so it's tricky to arrange any tea or snack in between meals. We needed something quick and easy to make, yet filling. It was the beginning of the year, so we better watch out for some healthy choices as well. I looked around the room. Chewed slippers, half-eaten meringue pie, Milk Bones, aha! The Delicata Squash! Last time we had some, it was sent from a local farm and was absolutely divine! Therefore, I arranged for some more to be procured from the grocery store.
To roast a squash, or pretty much any root vegetables, you only need to stick to one rule...wait a second...scratch that...there are none.
Just roast it! You can drizzle olive oil, or not; you can add brown sugar, or not; you can turn up the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, or turn it down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit... root vegetables are probably the most versatile ingredients when it comes to roasting.
Oh you ask, what is a root vegetable? Well, squash (duh!), carrot, sweet potato, kohlrabi...just Google it, will ya?
Now simple steps to prepare this nice warm hearty afternoon snack:
Cut each squash vertically into two halves.
Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and fibery meat.
Drizzle olive oil in a sheet pan (optional).
Arrange squash halves on the sheet pan, skin side up. Don't be misled by the last picture!
Roast...I did 400 degree F for 30 minutes this time. It came out golden and brown on the rim (see picture below).
We enjoyed the roasted squash over hot apple cinnamon tea. The children had hot chocolate, cheese and crackers and tried some of the squash. If it were Caramel Sweet Potatoes, they'd have had more! And I would have had less. But this is a healthier version for everyone.
Afterwards I had a nice long nap while dinner was prepared.
