Al Roker's Maple Bourbon Squash
The Today Show Weatherman shares healthy holiday recipes.
Nov 17, 2006
I caught up with Today Show Weathercaster Al Roker a few weeks before he was scheduled to co-host the 80th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
He shared with me two of his favorite holiday recipes:
Maple Bourbon Acorn Squash
- 4 Acorn squash, stemmed
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 5 Tbsp. plus 1tsp. bourbon
- 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 equal pieces
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Slice a tiny piece of skin off the bottom of each squash half so they sit level on a flat surface. Scoop out the seeds and set aside (see Roasted Acorn Squash Seed Recipe below).
Place the squash halves cut side up in a large baking dish with sides at least 1-1/2 inches high. Sprinkle the hollow of each squash half with the cinnamon. Pour 1 Tbsp. maple syrup and 2 tsp. bourbon into each squash half and top with a piece of butter. If not baking immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Pour hot water into the pan around the squash halves, to a depth of 1 inch (this helps keep the bottoms from burning). Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, until the flesh can just be pierced with a knife. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the flesh is very tender and beginning to brown.
Serve hot
Makes 8 servings
Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds
Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp of the acorn squash by soaking them in a bowl of water. Dry overnight on a plate. Toss the seeds with just enough vegetable oil to coat (about 1Tbsp. will coat a cup of seeds) and sprinkle with salt. Scatter the seeds on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden.
Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Use as a snack or as a garnish for squash soup or salads.
Click here for more great Thanksgiving recipes.
