This simple recipe offers a subtly sweet melt-in-your-mouth treat packed with beta-carotene — great any time of the year! It’s also got powerful antioxidants that help your body kick free radicals to the curb.

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Ingredients

1 acorn squash, split in two, seeds removed
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp Splenda® or Stevia®
2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp buttery spread (like Smart Balance®)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Place acorn squash halves inside up in a shallow baking dish with 1 inch of water.
Sprinkle the inside of each squash half with 1 tsp buttery spread, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp Splenda® or Stevia® and 1 tsp nutmeg.
Bake for 1 hour, or until inside is soft when pierced with a fork.

Ingredient health benefits

Acorn squash: Squashes like this one have lots of vitamins and minerals to share with you. Beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C are essential for your eyes, immune system and skin. Magnesium supports a happy heart and helps your body make DNA. And your bones and blood cells will be thankful for the calcium and iron!
Cinnamon: It does more than add seasonal flavor. Cinnamon, which comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree, has important minerals, like zinc and manganese, which help wounds heal, support your immune system, strengthen your bones and help your body get macronutrients from the foods you eat (like carbs and proteins). Cinnamon may also help lower your blood sugar and cholesterol.
Nutmeg: Another spice with everything nice, nutmeg has some benefits of its own. Antioxidants and other compounds help your body fight unwanted and chronic inflammation. These antioxidants also protect your cells from free radicals, harmful little particles that come from your own body and your environment (like from pollutants). Research into other health benefits of nutmeg is ongoing.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Serving size = 2

Calories: 130
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 35mg
Total carbohydrate: 27 g
Dietary fiber: 6g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2g