Finger Lakes Fall Relish: Butternut Squash “Duet” With Black Garlic

• 3 black garlic cloves
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash, 1/2-inch dice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed mace blades
• 2 tablespoons buckwheat honey, preferably New York State
• 2 tablespoons brown rice vinegar (4.5 percent acidity)
• 2 tablespoons Finger Lakes Butternut Squash Seed Oil*
• 1/2 teaspoon or more sriracha hot sauce
• 2-3 large arugula leaves, cut crosswise into thin ribbon chiffonade (optional)

1. Peel black garlic cloves. If garlic is too moist or sticky to slice easily, wrap in foil or plastic wrap and place in freezer for a few minutes. Mince garlic into 1/8-inch pieces.
2. Use your choice of microwave or stovetop to steam squash with 2 tablespoons water until tender-crisp, but not soft. (Depending upon specific microwave power settings, time on High setting may range from 2 to 3 minutes). Drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. In bowl, gently combine squash, garlic, salt, pepper and mace.
4. Whisk together honey and vinegar. Gradually add oil. It is not essential for this to become emulsified. Add to squash and mix gently.
5. Stir in sriracha according to your preference. Best if flavors meld for at least one hour before serving.rnIf made further in advance, refrigerate but bring to room temperature (or slightly cooler) before serving.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, sriracha) before serving as a condiment alongside entrees or as one of the variations described in headnote. If desired for added color and an additional flavor "punch," stir in fresh arugula before serving.
7. Refrigerate leftovers for up to two weeks. Freeze for longer storage, without impairing flavor or texture.
8. Substitution options:rnChestnut honey instead of buckwheat.rnSherry vinegar instead of brown rice vinegar (but compare acidity strength).rnExpeller-pressed roasted pumpkin seed oil instead of butternut squash seed oil.rnRoasted garlic cloves instead of black garlic.rn *sold by Stony Brook WholeHeartedFoods online and at multiple specialty markets and supermarkets.

black garlic, butternut squash, salt, freshly ground black pepper, mace blades, buckwheat honey, brown rice vinegar, finger, hot sauce, arugula

Taken from food52.com/recipes/7323-finger-lakes-fall-relish-butternut-squash-duet-with-black-garlic (may not work)