How to Roast Delicata Squash

This is a product found at Trader Joe's, not a Trader Joe's product. As much as I love TJ's, can and does Trader Joe's grow stuff and harvest their own stuff? Of course not.  But while everyone goes gaga over the wide selection of pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and everything autumnal that can come in a box, the curated selection of seasonal fall produce often goes overlooked. Take in case the delicata squash - this yellow-orange oblong squash with some dark green veiny stripes. Yes, you can eat them instead of using them as fall house décor that you leave around for a month and throw away once it rots. If you're basic and/or you love fall decorating, you know you've done it. I have. :P 

I first made delicata squash a few weeks ago when a friend dropped them off, and I had no idea what to do with them. So what is a millennial to do? The internet. 

Unlike its fussier cousins, the butternut or the spaghetti, delicata is so much easier to prepare. The skin is much thinner and edible, so no peeling required! Just make sure you wash and dry it well (on that note- wash. don't just rinse). Chop off the ends and slice in half. Scoop out the seeds. Toss 'em or save them to roast. I'm not on that level that yet. Maybe one day. 

Slice into halfmoons. I like cutting them a little thinner (a little less than 1/2") so they cook faster, but it doesn't matter as long as you cut them roughly the same thickness. 

Toss the halfmoons in olive oil, usually 1-2 tbsp. per squash does the trick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and whatever seasoning you like (I usually stick to just salt and pep, but I won't be offended if you use pumpkin spice :D). Note that you get better coverage over the veg if you toss it in a bowl but I usually just do it on the tray itself to save washing another dish. Make sure spread the veg out on the sheet pan in one layer. Overlapping will cause the squash to steam instead of roast. Roast in a 400F (425F probably works better) for 22-25 minutes. You have the option of flipping them halfway through roasting so they brown evenly on both sides, but I'd rather stay under my blanket on the couch. :P

 So autumnal and hearty but still vegetably and good for you. Yes, TJ's has this prepared and already cooked in the freezer section, but when it's this cheap and easy to do it yourself AND in season, why why why buy the frozen version?

I don't recommend extra virgin olive oil for roasting - it just doesn't tolerate high heat well. But it was the nearest oil within reach, worked in a pinch, and looked nice "for the gram." Use regular olive oil or whatever oil you have on hand. A is a fan, especially since the prep work is super easy and not terribly messy. Repurchase while available!

TL;DR: Trader Joe's Delicata Squash. Yes you can do-it-yourself! $0.99. Let's give it a 9/10.