🍯 Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese & Cranberry Drizzle (Mediterranean Style)

Elegant • Naturally Sweet • Herb-Bright • Perfect as a side or vegetarian main

---

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Squash

• 2 acorn squash, sliced into 1-inch thick rings (remove seeds)

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2–3 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Goat Cheese Filling

• 6 oz (170g) creamy goat cheese

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (to lighten & make creamy)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)

• Pinch of sea salt

Mediterranean Cranberry Drizzle

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (Mediterranean twist)

• 1/4 cup water

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Toppings (Optional but amazing)

• Pomegranate seeds

• Crushed pistachios or walnuts

• Fresh mint or parsley

• Extra honey drizzle

---

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment.

3. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • Olive oil

   • Honey

   • Cinnamon

   • Paprika

   • Thyme

   • Salt & pepper

4. Coat both sides of the squash rings in the glaze.

5. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.

---

2. Make the Creamy Goat Cheese

Mix together goat cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic (optional), and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Set aside.

---

3. Make the Mediterranean Cranberry Drizzle

In a small saucepan over medium heat:

1. Add cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, water, cinnamon, and rosemary.

2. Simmer 6–8 minutes until berries burst and the sauce thickens.

3. Mash lightly or blend for a smoother drizzle.

Let it cool slightly—it will thicken more.

---

4. Assemble

Place roasted squash rings on a platter.
Fill centers with creamy goat cheese.
Drizzle warm cranberry sauce over the top.

Finish with:

• Pomegranate seeds

• Pistachios

• Fresh mint

• More honey

---

🌿 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Lemon herb couscous

• Mediterranean roasted chicken

• Quinoa tabbouleh

• Grilled fish

• Warm pita and hummus