Orange-Glazed Squash with Sesame

Orange-Glazed Squash with Sesame: A Thanksgiving Twist

Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of overflowing tables laden with familiar favorites: roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and of course, those ubiquitous yams drenched in gooey marshmallows. For years, I’ve found myself stuck in a Thanksgiving rut, serving up the same old dishes, year after year. But this year, I decided to shake things up. I wanted to introduce a new dish, something exciting and different, something that would hopefully coax my family away from their beloved, marshmallow-laden comfort food.

My solution? Orange-Glazed Squash with Sesame. It's a recipe that elegantly blends the warmth of traditional Thanksgiving flavors with the vibrant zest of Asian cuisine. The sweet and tangy orange glaze perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the acorn squash, while the sesame oil and seeds add a delightful nutty aroma and satisfying crunch. It's a surprising combination, I know, but trust me, the result is truly magical. The dish is unexpectedly versatile too; it works well as a side dish alongside the traditional turkey and ham, or it makes a fantastic vegetarian centerpiece for a smaller gathering. Preparing it is simpler than you might think, despite the exotic-sounding ingredients. The preparation involves a wonderfully fragrant glaze simmered on the stovetop, followed by a simple baking process that yields perfectly tender and glossy squash.

I remember the apprehension I felt introducing this dish to my family, staunch defenders of Thanksgiving traditions. Their initial skepticism was palpable; I could practically see the question marks forming above their heads. "Squash? With *orange juice*? And sesame seeds?" I patiently explained the delicious interplay of flavors, highlighting the subtle sweetness of the orange balanced against the earthy depth of the squash. And the sesame? Oh, the sesame! That nutty, slightly sweet element which tied everything together with a delicate, almost unidentifiable nuance. But it wasn’t only the flavors that were at stake. It was tradition itself—a family tradition that I was daring to change, even if just a tiny bit. My hope was that by bringing in a new dish, a new element of flavor, I could also bring a renewed appreciation for trying new things.

The moment of truth came when I finally brought the finished dish to the table. The aroma alone filled the room with a captivating blend of sweet and savory scents. As the first forkfuls were taken, I held my breath. The initial silence stretched, then gave way to murmured sounds of delight. My family, the champions of tradition, were actually enjoying this new Thanksgiving addition. They loved the unexpected sweetness of the orange glaze, the tender texture of the squash, and the surprising crunch from the sesame seeds. This new dish hadn’t just become part of the Thanksgiving menu, it had become a symbol of embracing change while celebrating tradition. The subtle shift in our family tradition—the addition of a vibrant, flavorful twist—became a metaphor for our shared willingness to try new things, to embrace the unexpected, and to find joy in the beautiful tapestry of different cultures and culinary traditions.

Beyond the success of this one Thanksgiving, the Orange-Glazed Squash with Sesame has become a regular feature in our autumn cooking repertoire. It's a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season: warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. It has taught me not just about the importance of broadening one’s culinary horizons but also about the power of open-mindedness when facing change. It has become our little symbol of culinary adventure, a dish that brings not just flavor to our table, but the joy of sharing new experiences. And that, perhaps, is the most satisfying ingredient of all. So this year, I encourage you to try something new. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the unexpected, and you might just discover a new Thanksgiving tradition of your own. And remember, a dash of adventure, just like a sprinkle of sesame seeds, can add an entirely new dimension to any celebration.

Step-by-step

• Combine first 4 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan.
• Boil over medium heat until reduced to 1 1/3 cups, about 30 minutes.
• Pour into bowl.
• Mix in ginger.
• Cool. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place squash on baking sheet.
• Brush squash on all sides with sesame oil.
• Turn squash, 1 cut side down, and bake 15 minutes.
• Turn squash, skin side down.
• Brush squash with some hoisin mixture.
• Bake until tender and well glazed, brushing occasionally with some hoisin mixture, about 50 minutes.
• Preheat broiler.
• Generously baste squash with hoisin mixture.
• Sprinkle with salt.
• Broil until bubbling, about 2 minutes.
• Baste with any remaining hoisin mixture.
• Sprinkle with onions and sesame seeds.