Kwansaa - a perfect recipe

On December 26 (the day after Christmas) is the beginning of the special celebration of Kwanzaa.

The foods of Kwanzaa are varied and reflect the diversity of African American culture in the United States.

The word Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase that means "first fruits." The holiday was patterned after the harvest festivals of Africa. And harvest fruits and vegetables are naturally, important symbols.

This tasty acorn squash dish perfectly suits the spirit of the celebration.  Use a "gourmet" blend of pepper (black, white, green. and/or pink) if you have it.

 Peppered Acorn Squash

3 large acorn squash, scrubbed

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Salt, to taste

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly butter two large heavy baking sheets .  With a large sharp knife. cut each squash lengthwise in half (make sure the cutting board is securely anchored; it can be difficult to cut though t he tough skin ). Scrape out the seeds and strings. then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices . Arrange t he squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets and brush with half t he melted butter. Sprinkle generously with salt and then with half of the pepper. Bake for 15 minutes. then turn the squash and brush with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and the remaining half of the pepper and bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until the squash is tender. (The squash can be prepared to this point up to 2 hours ahead of time. Set aside, loosely covered on the baking sheets, then reheat, uncovered in a hot oven

to 375°F, depending on what else you are cooking) for

10 minutes.) Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

Serves 8