Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash with Apples and Craisins
Discover the perfect autumn dish with this delightful Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash with Apples and Craisins. This crock pot recipe blends the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with the tartness of apples and the chewiness of dried cranberries, all enhanced by warm spices and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect as a comforting main course or a delightful side dish for any meal, this recipe is perfect for busy days. Simply prepare, set it in the crock pot, and let it cook to tender perfection while you focus on other tasks. Plus, any leftovers can be easily repurposed and frozen for a quick meal later. The forgiving nature of this recipe allows for adjustments to your taste preferences—feel free to tweak the ingredients as desired. Enjoy it warm, garnished with crunchy walnuts, and savor the tastes of the season!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple Juice
1/2 cup (may use cider)
Acorn Squash
1 large (quartered)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Butter
2 tablespoons (may substitute with vegan margarine)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup
Diced Apples
1 1/2 cups (Honey Crisp recommended)
Lemon Juice
from 1/4 lemon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Maple Syrup
2 tablespoons
Walnuts
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by turning your crock pot to HIGH to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
2
Pour the apple juice into the bottom of the warm crock pot.
3
Quarter the acorn squash and place each piece cut side up in the crock pot.
4
Season each squash quarter with a pinch of salt, followed by 1/2 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar, and approximately 1 tablespoon of dried cranberries.
5
Add diced apples around and on top of the squash, ensuring each piece is well covered—aim for about 1/4 cup of apples per squash quarter.
6
Squeeze the juice of 1/4 of a lemon over the apples, then sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup.
7
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-4 hours. Check for tenderness by piercing the squash with a fork; it should be soft but not mushy. Cooking times may vary based on the size of your squash and the specific crock pot model.
8
Once the squash is tender, carefully remove each piece and place it on a plate. Sprinkle with walnuts for an added crunch.
9
For an extra indulgent touch, melt an additional 2 tablespoons of cold butter into the remaining apple juice and apples in the crock pot, stirring until combined. Spoon this luscious sauce over the plated squash for added flavor and richness. For those with a sweet tooth, feel free to drizzle more maple syrup or honey over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cooking method for this Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker for a tender and flavorful result.
How long should I cook the acorn squash on the LOW setting?
When using the LOW setting, the acorn squash should be cooked for 4 to 6 hours until it is fork-tender.
What is the recommended cooking time on the HIGH setting?
On the HIGH setting, the squash typically takes between 2.5 to 4 hours to reach the desired tenderness.
Should I preheat my crock pot before adding the ingredients?
Yes, the instructions suggest turning your crock pot to HIGH to preheat while you are preparing the squash and other ingredients.
How should I prepare the acorn squash for the crock pot?
The acorn squash should be quartered and placed into the crock pot with the cut side facing up.
Can I substitute apple juice with another liquid?
Yes, you can use apple cider as a substitute for the 1/2 cup of apple juice required at the bottom of the pot.
What type of apples are recommended for this recipe?
Honey Crisp apples are highly recommended for their texture and sweetness, though other varieties can be used.
How much apple juice is needed for the base?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of apple juice or cider to be poured into the bottom of the crock pot.
Is there a vegan alternative for the butter?
Yes, you can easily substitute the butter with vegan margarine to make this dish plant-based.
How much brown sugar should I put on each squash quarter?
Each squash quarter should be seasoned with approximately 1/2 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
When do I add the walnuts to the dish?
Walnuts should be sprinkled over the squash after it has finished cooking and has been placed on a serving plate.
How do I know if the acorn squash is fully cooked?
Check for tenderness by piercing the squash with a fork; it should be soft but not mushy.
Can I freeze the leftovers of this dish?
Yes, any leftovers can be easily repurposed and frozen for a quick and convenient meal later.
How do I make the optional luscious sauce?
Melt an additional 2 tablespoons of cold butter into the remaining apple juice and apple mixture in the crock pot after removing the squash.
What is the total amount of cinnamon used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to be sprinkled over the apples and squash.
How much maple syrup is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, plus more if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice from 1/4 of a lemon helps brighten the flavors and prevents the apples from browning too quickly during prep.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is a suitable alternative for drizzling over the top if you prefer it over maple syrup.
What is the amount of dried cranberries per squash piece?
Aim for approximately 1 tablespoon of dried cranberries (Craisins) per acorn squash quarter.
How many apples should I dice for the whole recipe?
You will need approximately 1 1/2 cups of diced apples to cover the squash pieces properly.
What size acorn squash should I use?
The recipe is written for 1 large acorn squash, which is then divided into four quarters.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served either as a comforting main course or a delightful side dish for autumn meals.
Can I adjust the ingredient amounts?
Yes, the recipe is described as very forgiving, allowing you to tweak the ingredients and spices to your personal taste.
What provides the 'crunch' in the final presentation?
Chopped walnuts are added at the end to provide a crunchy texture to the tender squash.
Should the squash be peeled?
No, the squash is simply quartered and cooked in its skin, which helps hold the shape while in the crock pot.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is used to season each squash quarter before adding the sweet ingredients.
How much butter is used for the squash quarters?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of butter per quarter, totaling 2 tablespoons for the initial cooking phase.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include crock pot, acorn squash, apples, craisins, maple syrup, autumn recipe, one dish meal, vegan option, and comfort food.
How much apple coverage should each squash quarter have?
Each piece of squash should be covered with about 1/4 cup of diced apples.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best enjoyed warm, garnished with walnuts and drizzled with the buttery pan sauce from the crock pot.