Awesome Appetizer: Acorn Squash “Fondue”
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: February 20, 2015

This healthy squash fondue recipe from Food Network star and best-selling author Melissa d'Arabian deserves a standing ovation! Mild and sweet acorn squash is roasted with garlic, Dijon mustard, Gruyere cheese, and creamy milk-soaked bread for an appetizer (or light meal!) that is healthy and delicious! Serve this twist on the classic fondue with crisp sliced pears or apples.
 Acorn Squash “Fondue”
	Serves 4
	Preparation time 10 minutes
	Cooking time 1 hour, 10 minutes
 Ingredients
	2 acorn squash, halved, seeded, and fibers removed
	½ teaspoon kosher salt
	¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
	1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
	1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
	½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
	2 slices white whole wheat bread, lightly toasted and cut into ½-inch cubes
	¾ cup whole milk
	Pear slices (optional)
 Directions
	Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the squash halves with half the salt and pepper, then use a basting brush to coat the squash with the mustard. Sprinkle the garlic in the squash halves, spreading it around as best you can.
	Step 2. Divide half the cheese among the 4 squash halves (1 tablespoon each) and then top with the bread cubes. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and then pour the milk over the bread, dividing it evenly among the squash halves. Gently press the bread cubes into the milk to make sure they are all saturated.
	Step 3. Place the squash halves in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake until the filling is golden brown and the squash is tender, about 30 minutes more.
	Step 4. Serve one squash half to each person, with pear slices on the side for dipping, if desired. Be sure everyone scoops up some of the filling and squash in each bite.
	PER SERVING: Calories 206 / Protein 9g / Dietary Fiber 4g / Sugars 8g / Total Fat 7g
	Reprinted from Supermarket Healthy: Recipes and Know-How for Eating Well Without Spending a Lot
	Copyright © 2014 by Melissa d’Arabian. Photographs © 2014 by Tina Rupp. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House LLC.