VANILLA AND CARDAMOM-GLAZED ACORN SQUASH RINGS

Vanilla and Cardamom-Glazed Acorn Squash Rings image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 small acorn squash (1 to 1 1/4 pounds each)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
4 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch ground cardamom
Coarse salt

Steps:

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
Using a large, sharp knife, halve squash lengthwise (through the stem end and the pointy end). Using a spoon, scrape out seeds and fibers. Place each half, cut side down, on a cutting board; slice off about 3/4 inch from each end and discard. Slice squash crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick half-rings. If desired, trim away any remaining fibers by running a paring knife around the inside of each half-ring. Place in an even layer on prepared baking sheet.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove pan from heat and add maple syrup, vanilla, and cardamom; stir to combine. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush squash pieces with a little less than half the butter mixture; season with salt. Turn and brush with remaining butter mixture, reserving a tablespoon. Season lightly with salt.
Transfer to oven and roast for 12 minutes; rotate baking sheet. Using tongs, turn squash and continue to roast until browned and tender, 10 to 12 minutes more. Remove from oven and turn, using tongs, so that darker side is facing up.
Reheat remaining tablespoon butter mixture over low heat; brush over squash and serve.