Chef Rick Bayless' delicata squash mash

“At home, I split [a pair of] delicata squash lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, salt the flesh, wrap each half in plastic and microwave all 4 pieces for about 6 minutes, until tender,” Bayless said.

“I start with 2 or 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in the skillet, add chopped red onion and apple and cook everything over medium heat until beautifully soft and golden. And since I like spice, 1 or 2 finely chopped canned chipotles make a perfect showing here. Season your apple “hash” with salt and plenty of black pepper.

“Stuff that mixture into the warm delicata halves, top with crumbled goat cheese (anything from feta to Parmesan will work here) and scatter on a few herb leaves. Cilantro is excellent, but so is parsley, basil and sage—so use what you have.”