Acorn squash, greens, and red quinoa

I blogged about this in a previous post, but this is one of our favorite fall dinners. Very healthy and easy. Here's the recipe, as prepared with a toddler underfoot:
- While the toddler is trapped in his high chair happily eating his dinner (which, all too often, consists of milk and Mighty Bites because all other foods are deemed unacceptable), pre-heat the oven to 350.
- Rinse 1 cup quinoa and put it in the black and decker handy steamer with 2 cups water and set timer for 50 mins. Then, slice the acorn squash in half and put it face down on an old jellyroll style cookie sheet with a little water to steam the squash. Set oven timer for 30 min.
- Hang out while toddler finishes, or refuses to finish, dinner. Then play in other room.
- When oven timer beeps, if no other adult is available to watch toddler, trap toddler in high chair again so you can open the oven and finish the meal. Offer crayons, play dough, books, songs, dancing, peekaboo, more Mighty Bites, or other distractions as necessary.
- Take out squash, turn over, and glaze with a little butter and maple syrup. Put back in oven for another 10-15 mins.
- Meanwhile, put 1 tsp olive oil in large skillet on medium heat. When oil is hot, add 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir 30 secs. Then add about 1/2 bag Trader Joe's southern greens blend (washed collards and other yummy greens). Add a little water to steam veggies. Put lid on skillet, even if it doesn't quite fit at first because greens are not yet wilted. Cook greens 5-10 mins to taste, stirring occasionally. I like them bright green, with the stalk-like middles tender. I also like greens a little spicy and often add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper while cooking.
- Squash should be ready now (fork should go in easily).
- Quinoa should be ready now. Stir in 1-2 handfuls pinenuts and a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar.
- Move all hot pots and pans and knives out of reach of toddler. Lock drawers and install baby gates as necessary.
- Serve food and eat while toddler throws tupperware around the kitchen.