Butternut Squash Whipped Feta with Espresso Balsamic Gastrique

Ingredient Spotlight. Our Espresso Dark Balsamic Vinegar is bold and roasty, with a bittersweet depth that turns into a luscious gastrique. We roast the squash and garlic in our Coratina Medium EVOO, a robust varietal with a peppery finish that stands up to caramelized edges.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 head garlic
• 3 Tbsp Coratina Medium EVOO, plus more for cooking
• 1 Tbsp fresh sage, minced · 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
• ⅔ cup crumbled feta · ½ cup ricotta · 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 shallot, julienned · ½ tsp red pepper flakes · ¼ cup apple cider
• ¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted and crushed
• Gastrique: ¼ cup sugar · ¼ cup Espresso Dark Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Toss the squash with 2 Tbsp Coratina EVOO, half the herbs, salt, and pepper; spread on a lined sheet pan. Halve the garlic head, drizzle the cut sides with oil, and set it face-down alongside. Roast about 30 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender.
2. Meanwhile, sauté the shallot with red pepper flakes and remaining herbs in a little oil until soft. Add the apple cider and 1 Tbsp of the Espresso balsamic; reduce 1 minute, then fold in the roasted squash.
3. Blend the squash mixture with the feta, ricotta, honey, and squeezed-out roasted garlic 4–5 minutes, until silky. Chill.
4. Gastrique: simmer the sugar and remaining Espresso balsamic in a wide skillet over medium heat, without stirring, until it coats a cold spoon. Cool.
5. Spread the whipped feta into a shallow bowl or over toast, drizzle generously with the gastrique, and finish with crushed hazelnuts, thyme, and a last thread of Coratina EVOO.

Chef's Notes

• The gastrique thickens as it cools, so pull it a touch loose.
• Toasted hazelnuts are our spin — their crunch against the silky feta makes the dish.

Make It Yours

• Swap our Vermont Maple Dark Balsamic Vinegar into the gastrique for a cozier, sweeter finish.

Allergens: contains dairy and tree nuts.

A true fall centerpiece — come taste our Espresso balsamic and Coratina at the shop.