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Maple Cinnamon Acorn Squash Rings

November 22, 2014 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

If you are a lover of winter squash like me, or you just want to try a new squash recipe, I have the perfect recipe for you! Squash is in-season all Fall and Winter so you are just in luck. This is also a perfect (and very healthy) Thanksgiving Recipe as well. I make this with Acorn Squash. The beauty of it is you do not need to make fancy or beautiful cuts to make these rings look so darn pretty, mother nature does that all on her own. I also use a wonderful star ingredient… Pure Canadian Maple Syrup.

acorn rings

Just look at the beauties. So savory, so hearty, so easy and healthy too. 

acorn rings

The taste is outrageous! Do not forget my magic maple glaze sauce too. Keep a little extra at the end for a perfect glaze.

acorn rings

I make these at least once a week when I can. Why have onion rings when I can have these healthy, full of vitamin and fiber – acorn rings. Plus the taste is so savory and sweet. That is a BIG thanks to the hit of salt at the end. It is like caramel flavor maple syrup with salt. I got your attention now.

Let’s talk about the world of Maple syrup. You see, not all maple syrup is created equal!! Why I use Pure Canadian Maple Syrup is simple. It is 100% natural and made directly from the sap of the sugar maple tree. Then the sap is simply boiled down by 40 times to make syrup, Nothing else added! Canada produces 80% of the maple syrup sold in the world too, the majority of which is produced in Quebec. I think is is very important to know where your food comes from. Why I sometimes like to also use maple syrup as a sweetener in many of my recipes, is because it is so versatile (great for rubs, glazes, in addition to your favorite breakfast). Some health benefits that you might not know is that maple syrup is a natural energy source, providing you with simple carbs easily broken down by the body into glucose. This is great for those moments when you need fast fuel for a hard workout. Because it is unprocessed, it contains beneficial vitamins and mineral, including manganese, riboflavin, zinc, and potassium. Maple syrup also contains 54 different antioxidant compounds and is a great source for muscle recovery due to the great sources of minerals; manganese and zinc.

Any syrup that is bottled like this... is a friend of mine.

This is what Pure Canadian Maple Syrup looks like. Any syrup that is bottled like this… is a friend of mine.

FIt Maple

 

acorn rings

NOTES:

  • You can use butter instead of coconut oil.
  • Add in other flavors you like if you want like cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder,  or cardamom,etc.
  • Can make all ahead – then when ready place in the oven.
  • Acorn Squash comes in different varieties. Typically the skin is much darker than the squash I have here. Both are delish.

Enjoy.

Try all my Fall Recipes! You may also like my other Winter Squash Meals.

Are you a winter squash lover? What is your favorite?

Follow Moni to connect on Face Book, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram (-to get a look of my everyday eats!)

EAT WELL. STAY FIT. FEEL GREAT.

Moni

xx

 


Servings

Serves 2-3

Filed Under: "Lightened Up" Treats, Baking, Dinner, EASY Meals & Treats, Gluten Free, Healthy, Holidays, Lunch, Meals, Most Popular, Snack & Sides, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: acorn squash, cinnamon, FALL, Fall Madness, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, squash, Thanksgiving, vanilla, winter squash

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

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