A Very Autumn Meal: Apple Acorn Squash

Acorn squash!

Acorn Squash

After purchasing this lil’ guy at the grocery store at the beginning of October, he was relegated to the “produce basket” for several weeks.

Fruits and Veggies

I didn’t want to disturb him because he added such a nice touch of fall flare to the mix. (Looks like it’s time to use those bananers, huh?)

Alas, D-Day for the squash arrived last night.

Ahhhh

I’ve never prepared an acorn squash and I didn’t even realize they were used for anything other than autumn decoration until this year! I turned to my favorite resource (Google) to figure out how to prepare the squash.

First, as instructed by the MayoClinic’s Web site, I pierced the squash all over with a knife to allow steam to escape when I microwaved it on high for five minutes (turning at three minutes).

This made it suuuuper easy to cut into the acorn squash, unlike any experience I’ve had cutting into it’s spaghetti or butternut brothers.

Once the acorn squash was halved, I removed the seeds.

Lots o' Seeds

No Mo' Seeds

Because I didn’t just want to eat plain squash for dinner, I turned to autumn’s  favorite fruit to fill the squash – the apple.

Ambrosia Apple

I sliced the apple with my handy-dandy apple slicer before cutting it into chunks and topping it with brown sugar.

Apple Slices

Chunk-a-Chunk of Apple

Because Apples Apparently Aren't Sweet Enough...

I distributed the apple mixture between the two halves of acorn squash.

Apple Acorn Squash

I placed the apple-stuffed squash back in the microwave for another three minutes until the apples were warm, but still slightly crisp.

When the squash was done, I plated one half and smooshed it out, topping the squash with lots of cinnamon.

Cinnamon Apple Acorn Squash

It was delicious!

About halfway through my squash, Ryan casually mentioned he thought it would taste good with syrup, so I added light syrup to the mix and WOW. My fiance is an acorn squash genius.

For lunch today, you can bet I smothered my leftovers with syrup!

Leftover Lunch

This dinner and lunch was yummy and I’m excited to make it again, adding even more fun additions.

Possible recipe additions:

• Pecans
• Honey
• Walnuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Peach Slices
• Pear Slices
• Craisins or Raisins

All in all, this was a tasty (and festive) meal!

“That’s a Lucky Dog!”

October is officially halfway over.

Halfway Through October

Do you know what that means??? It’s almost time for the holidays! Hooray!

Check out the caption on the calendar above… I think it may have subconsciously inspired a mini-Thanksgiving moment for me this morning.

After my workout, I left the iPod on the kitchen table and took Sadie on her morning walk sans-music. I do this on occasion to take time to myself and not feel inundated with beats from the Black Eyed Peas or Ace of Base (yes, I said Ace of Base… my iPod has a wide selection of songs).

My Lil' Lady

As we were walking a myriad of thoughts crossed my mind and I began feeling so thankful for the simple things in life like the ability to be able to wake up in the morning in a safe apartment, workout and take my dog for a walk around a gorgeous lake. Seeing the sun shine over the water and watching the ducks and swans paddle around searching for food is a wonderful, calming way to begin any morning.

While these peaceful thoughts were running through my mind, a bike cop that I see almost daily called out to me and said, “That’s one lucky dog! She gets a walk every day.” I laughed and smiled because I was just thinking about what a lucky person I am for having the ability to walk my dog, who I feel fortunate to share my mornings with each day.

What are YOU thankful for today?

Breakfast

I’m not lying when I say that I was thinking “Bagel! Bagel! Bagel!” during my spinning class today… how pathetic is that!? Whatever gets me through my workout, I guess!

Believe it or not, a bagel is what I ate this mornin’ as my Thursday breakfast.

Sweet Wheat Bagel

I jazzed my sweet wheat Alternative Bagel up a bit with some peanut butter…

Peanut Butter Yum

…before topping it freshly sliced strawberries and honey roasted sunflower seeds.

Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Fun with Strawberry Slices

And Again

I also brewed a hot cup of Kalahari ChocoLatte hazelnut mocha tea to drink on the side.

Kalahari Tea

Breakfast was g-o-o-d.

Thursday's Breakfast