Honeynut Squash & Green Apples
A Belated Thanksgiving: Recalling the Harvest's Bounty
While Thanksgiving may be over, gratitude knows no season. Let's carry the spirit of the holiday into our everyday lives. A simple, wholesome meal like Honeynut Squash & Green Apple Delight can nourish both our bodies and souls. As we savor each bite, take a moment to express gratitude for the little things. Let's embrace the season with open hearts and thankful spirits as we transition from the warmth of Thanksgiving to the magic of the holiday season.
This dish is a symphony of sweetness, tanginess, and the warmth of fall spices. It’s not just food; it’s a love letter to yourself and the ones you cherish. Savor each bite, let’s take a moment to reflect on the abundance in our lives—big and small.
Why Honeynut Squash and Green Apples?
Honeynut Squash is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and fiber, it supports glowing skin, eye health, and immunity. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor brings a comforting warmth to any dish.
Green Apples are crisp and tangy, filled with antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. They’re a reminder that a touch of tartness can make life (and recipes) even more balanced.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a beautiful metaphor for the balance we seek in our lives — embracing both sweetness and zest.
Cooking is my way of grounding myself. It reminds me to slow down, savor the moment and be in the present. I hope this recipe gives you the same sense of joy and presence.
Honeynut Squash & Green Apple Recipe
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
2 small honeynut squashes, halved and seeded
1 green apple, peeled and sliced thinly
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
A pinch of sea salt
1 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Place each honeynut squash half between two chopsticks or dinner knives, then use a sharp knife to slice thin slits crosswise, about ⅛ inch apart. The chopsticks will stop the knife, preventing you from cutting all the way through.
Brush the squash generously with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with sea salt. Place them on the baking sheet.
Carefully tuck one apple slice into every other slit of the squash.
In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Drizzle this mixture over the squash.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
Garnish with chopped nuts and fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm and savor every bite!
Gratitude on the Plate
This dish isn’t just about filling your plate; it’s about filling your heart. As you prepare and enjoy this recipe, take a moment to appreciate yourself—the effort, love, and energy you bring to the table every day. This act of mindfulness transforms a simple meal into an experience of self-love and gratitude.
Food for Thought
As we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s remember: nourishment isn’t just about food—it’s about how we feed our soul. Gratitude transforms every meal into a celebration of abundance. And just like the slits in our Hasselback squash, life’s moments are made sweeter when we let goodness, kindness, and love tuck themselves in.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to delicious meals, joyful living, and a heart full of gratitude. Happy Belated Thanksgiving!