Acorn Squash, Parmesan Cheese and Hazelnut Gratin Recipe

Name: Acorn Squash, Parmesan Cheese and Hazelnut Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 to 8
Ingredients: 2 acorn squashes, seeded, and cut into 2-cm-thick slices; 60 mL (¼ cup) of extra-virgin olive oil; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 shallot, minced; 3 fresh sage leaves, minced; 15 mL (1 tbsp) of all-purpose flour; 250 mL (1 cup) of 35% cream; 250 mL (1 cup) of milk, preferably 3.25%; 190 mL (¾ cup) of Saputo grated Parmesan cheese; 2 mL (½ tsp) of ground nutmeg; 60 mL (¼ cup) of Italian breadcrumbs; 60 mL (¼ cup) of ground hazelnuts; Chopped hazelnuts; Crispy sage leaves (see note)

Ingredients

2 acorn squashes, seeded, and cut into 2-cm-thick slices
60 mL (¼ cup) of extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 shallot, minced
3 fresh sage leaves, minced
15 mL (1 tbsp) of all-purpose flour
250 mL (1 cup) of 35% cream
250 mL (1 cup) of milk, preferably 3.25%
190 mL (¾ cup) of Saputo grated Parmesan cheese
2 mL (½ tsp) of ground nutmeg
60 mL (¼ cup) of Italian breadcrumbs
60 mL (¼ cup) of ground hazelnuts
Chopped hazelnuts
Crispy sage leaves (see note)

	PREP TIME 20m	COOK TIME 25m	TOTAL TIME 45m
YIELD 6 to 8

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a rack in the centre of the oven.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the squash slices side by side, making sure they don’t overlap. Drizzle with the olive oil to cover all squash slices and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Remove from the oven and reserve.
In a saucepan, sauté the minced shallot and sage in 15 mL (1 tbsp) of olive oil until the shallot is tender, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with flour and, using a wooden spoon, mix continuously for a minute. Add the cream and milk and whisk to dissolve the flour. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to the minimum and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Add 125 mL (½ cup) of the Saputo grated
Parmesan cheese and the nutmeg and mix to incorporate. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and reserve.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 60 mL (¼ cup) of the Parmesan cheese, hazelnuts, 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil, salt and black pepper using a fork. Reserve.
Before serving, set the oven to broil. Transfer the roasted squash slices to a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the squash. Sprinkle with the gratin mixture. Broil until the sauce is bubbly and the gratin is golden brown. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts and crispy sage leaves.
Note: To make crispy sage leaves, heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil in a small skillet. Add fresh sage leaves and fry for a few seconds on each side. Transfer to a paper towel and reserve until ready to use.