ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH ORANGE OIL

A little burst of citrusy sunshine for a cold winters day.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH ORANGE OIL

1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 acorn squash
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 sprigs of fresh thyme, stems removed

Heat oven to 375F.
In a small bowl, whisk together orange zest and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined, set aside.
Cut squash in half horizontally through its center. Scrape out seeds with a spoon and discard. Set each half cut-side down and slice into 1/2 inch thick half moons.
Add to a large bowl and combine with the remaining olive oil, orange juice, salt, pepper and thyme. Toss to coat.
Arrange squash, skin side down, inside a pie plate. Top with any juice remaining in the mixing bowl. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until squash is fork tender.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with reserved olive oil mixture.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Shape Magazine, November 2013
www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes‎