We bought some lovely goats cheese at the farmers market recently. We took a 2 hour train trip to a university town where there is an amazing art and craft market too. Included in this recipe is the lemon and basil goat cheese we had left over.

Autumn is here and that means winter squash!

Winter squash are wonderful and I love their flavour, especially the Delicata variety. When I bought this beauty I had no idea what it would end up as, I never actually plan a menu and nor do I shop with a recipe in mind. I just purchase what looks delicious in that moment. I tend to create recipes on the fly, they evolve from what is in the fridge or cupboard.

Although this takes a while to cook, around 45 minutes at 400F, I suggest you save it for a time you have guests and make enough for 1 boat each. You could use any squash that when sliced, is the perfect receptacle for these few simple ingredients. Mum, if you’re reading this, I know you will add a sprinkle of nutmeg as a finishing touch.

Ingredients for two people:

• 1 large Delicata squash
• 1 onion or 2 shallots
• 6 cloves of garlic
• Ground pepper
• Ground salt
• Olive oil
• 1/2 cup goats cheese
• Boiled water to add moisture to the pan and squash

Scrub and wash the squash well.

Slice the squash in half, season, add olive oil, then crushed garlic, shallots, top with the goat’s cheese, season and drizzle over olive oil again.

Add water to the base of the pan to cover about a quarter inch deep, and lightly drizzle water into the squash but not too much, about 2 tablespoons only.

Bake at 400F for about 45 minutes or until cooked through.

A few views from the train trip to buy goats cheese. I played a lot of Dark Souls on the train, the remastered Switch version is a win and I found this handsome fellow at the craft market.

I have no idea why I never took any photos of the cheese!