Acorn Squash Delight!

What to do with an acorn squash? Good question. I have never cooked one before and it has been sitting in my refrigerator for the past week.  But I was determined to make a yummy and healthy creation- especially knowing how nutritious acorn squash is!!

Did you know acorn squash is more nutrient-dense than all other summer squash?! It's rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds.  The health benefits are numerous: the ability to boost your immune system, prevent certain types of cancer, improve vision, protect the skin,  strengthen the bones, reduce blood pressure, improve digestion, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, and maintain proper circulation. 

The chart below gives you the exact nutritional information for acorn squash and all the squashes- so you can see how they all add up!

Nutritional Values	Acorn Squash	Butternut Squash	Hubbard Squash	Spaghetti Squash	Pumpkin	Dried Pumpkin & Squash Seeds
Calories	56kcal	63kcal	46kcal	31kcal	30kcal	151kcal
Carbohydrates	15g	16g	10g	7g	8g	5g
Dietary Fiber	2g	3g	0g	0g	1g	1g
Protein	1g	1g	2g	1g	1g	7g
Fat	0g	0g	1g	1g	0g	13g
Water	123g	121g	102g	92.5g	106g	1.9g
Vitamins	A, B1, B6, C & Folate	A, B6, C, E, Folate & Niacin	A, B1, B6 & C	C, B6, Niacin & Pantothenic Acid	A, B1, B6, C, E, Folate, Niacin & Riboflavin	K
Minerals	Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium	Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium	Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium	Manganese	Potassium, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus	Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, Zinc

So this is seriously the most delicious recipe ever.  My husband was in love.  And only required 5 ingredients.  I used a little inspiration from Paula Dean's brown sugar rub (who I still think is a good person) and a little chicken salad creation I made a couple days ago. Enjoy!!

Acorn Squash Delight

1 acorn squash 

Brown sugar rub: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup or 1 tbsp honey (I used honey)

Protein filling- I used chicken salad made with organic chicken, organic whole milk maple cream yogurt, organic dill, and pesto

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the pulp and seeds. Set aside.  Make brown sugar rub. Coat the acorn squash (not the skin).  Put on baking sheet (with aluminum foil if preferred).  Bake for 60 minutes.

Fill the inside!!!  I mixed shredded chicken, yogurt, pesto and dill.  Now you have a delicious, healthy, low carb and calorie meal!!