Total time: 15 min • Prep: 5 min • Cook: 10 min • Serves: 4 • Difficulty: Easy

Acorn squash holds its shape beautifully when cooked, so save the added prep of peeling it, and serve it in its shell. You can also bake the squash halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Try it brushed with a mixture of olive oil, orange juice, and orange zest and sprinkled with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. Or dust with a seasoning blend like garam masala or pumpkin pie spice. Leftover cooked squash is terrific on pizzas, whirled into soups, or tossed with pasta.