Stuck for an idea for a holiday side dish? We have one for you! Try our spiced winter squash recipe, paired with K-J's Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay.

Spiced Winter Squash

~Recipe by Chef Tracey Shepos Cenami

Serves 6

• 3 lbs. winter squash (such as butternut, acorn or kabocha), peeled, seeded and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground cardamom
• 1 Tbsp., plus 1/8 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp. pepitas
• 1½ tsp. pomegranate molasses
• ½ orange, zested
• 8 mint leaves, torn

Preheat oven to 350⁰F. Place a large baking sheet in oven for 5 minutes to preheat.

In a large bowl, add squash, honey, spices, olive oil and salt. Stir to coat squash. Carefully, pour squash onto hot baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes depending on the type and size of the squash. Test doneness by piercing squash with a fork – the edges should be caramelized and the squash should be tender, but not mushy.

Toss pepitas in 1/8 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake at 350⁰F for 10 to 12 minutes until browned and crunchy.

To serve: Toss the squash with pomegranate molasses and orange zest. Garnish with pepitas and mint leaves.