With varied benefits, including vitamin C, B6, and beta-carotene, squash also helps manage heart and eye health. This delicious roasted squash recipe is a good way to keep or add squash to any diet.

Ingredients:

1 winter squash (acorn, butternut, kabocha, etc) peeled and cubed

3 apples, peeled and cubed

2 Tablespoons melted butter

2 Tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup dried cherries (or cranberries)

Optional Additions:

Nutmeg

Coriander

Cardamom

Pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Place cubed squash and apples in a large bowl.

Drizzle with melted butter, then add brown sugar/syrup, cinnamon and any additional spices.

Toss to coat thoroughly.

Pour contents onto the lined baking sheet and spread out in an even layer.

Bake for 35 minutes, stirring once.

At the end of 35 minutes, pierce 1-3 pieces of squash with a fork to check for softness. If it is not soft, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Add walnuts and cherries and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Jennifer Josselyn is part of the team at the Gilpin County Food Pantry. The pantry is located at 101 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. It is open every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:35 p.m. If you have questions contact Corinne Keller at ckeller@gilpincounty.org or 720-432-6120.