Ciscoe recipe: Warm Salad of Roasted Butternut Squash

For the Squash:

1 small butternut squash

2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 425 F.

Peel the squash and cut into 3/4 inch cubes. Toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until golden and tender.

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing

1 cup sliced organic leek

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup each fresh cranberries

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a heavy sauté pan over medium heat and add the leeks. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the maple syrup and cranberries and cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until the cranberries start to pop.

In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar and olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. Add to the pan and stir to heat through.

For the Salad:

4 cups baby greens or cleaned baby spinach

1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

4 ounces Chevre cheese

Sliced prosciutto (optional)

Toss the salad greens or spinach with a little of the warm dressing. Arrange on 4 plates, top with the roasted squash, hazelnuts, goat cheese and prosciutto (if desired) and spoon the remaining dressing over.

Recipe developed by Lynne Vea