New ways to enjoy squash this fall

Autumn is a fantastic time of year to peruse your farmers’ market or grocery store for new-to-you varieties of squash. Cousins to zucchini and other summer squashes, these hearty, delicious and healthy varieties are the perfect complement (or main dish!) to your seasonal menu and can really hit the spot on a chilly evening. They are also a great option to add to your Thanksgiving table this year. Check out these ideas to try this fall:

Acorn Squash – Like many other winter squashes, this dark green or orange squash has a hard, inedible rind and a shape reminiscent of an acorn. Try it baked with brown sugar or honey or mixed with pasta.

• Baked Acorn Squash Rings
• Penne with Acorn Squash and Pancetta

Butternut Squash – This perennial favorite is sweet and tender when baked, adding great flavor to a wide range of dishes. It’s also great blended as a creamy soup.

• Butternut Squash with Cumin Couscous
• Roasted Squash and Apple Soup

Delicata Squash – Less known than some of its counterparts, this variety has a thinner skin than other winter squashes and can be used in similar fashion to a sweet potato when cooked.

• Roasted Delicata Squash with Onions
• Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Warm Pickled Onion Dressings

Spaghetti Squash – Once cooked, the inside of this unique squash can be shredded with a fork to create “noodles,” a great alternative to pasta.

• Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Tuscan Spaghetti Squash

There are many, many more delicious squash recipes out there. If you like these, keep an eye out for others! We hope you enjoy testing these new recipes in your kitchen this fall. Bon appetit!

For Health Advocate members

If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to Wellness Coaching, reach out to your Coach for more healthy recipe ideas featuring squash and other seasonal veggies.