Recipe: Idaho Potatoes and Parsnips in Acorn Squash Bowls

Idaho Potatoes and Parsnips in Acorn Squash Bowls

4 small acorn squash, cut in half from top to bottom
4 medium Idaho Potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces*
2 parsnips, washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces*
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

*Note: Potatoes and parsnips may be peeled, if desired.

Preheat oven to 400F.

Half acorn squash crosswise, remove seeds and place, cut side down, in a large baking pan; add 1/2 inch of warm water to pan and place in oven. Bake for one hour or until tender; remove squash from pan and set aside.

Fill a large stock pot half-full with water and heat to boiling. Add potato and parsnip pieces to boiling water; return to boiling and cook 6-8 minutes or until tender. Drain vegetables and place in a large bowl.

With a spoon, scoop out some of the pulp from the acorn squash, being sure to leave a 1/2-inch "shell" so that the squash keeps its shape. Add pulp to the potato mixture. Add milk to mixture and mash with a fork-it will be a little lumpy. Season with salt and pepper.

Using a paring knife, trim the bottom of each squash half so that they will sit steadily cut side up, making "bowls." Fill each squash bowl with about 1/2 cup of the potato mixture and place back into baking pan.

Cover squash with a foil "tent" and bake at 350F for 30 minutes until heated through.

Servings: 8
Source: Idaho Potato Commission