Apple Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash Food

APPLE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the squash onto a baking sheet cut side down. Fill the baking sheet with 1/2 inch of water.
• Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Drain off any water remaining in the baking sheet.
• While the squash is baking, melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and apple in the margarine until the onion has softened and turned translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a bowl to cool until the squash has finished baking.
• Once the squash is done, stir the raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Cheddar cheese into the apple mixture. Turn the squash cut side up on the baking sheet and fill with the apple mixture. Return the squash to the oven; bake until the filling is hot and the cheese has melted, about 15 minutes.

APPLE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side up in a 9x5-in. loaf pan. Fill centers with apple. Cover and bake at 400° for 30 minutes., In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and butter. Cover and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds or until butter is melted. Drizzle over squash. Sprinkle with cinnamon. , Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes longer or until tender.

MUSHROOM, APPLE, AND WALNUT STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
• Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake about 30 minutes or until soft.
• Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan heat olive oil. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add celery and continue to sauté for 5 minutes. Lower heat and add apples. Continue to cook until apples become tender, about 5 minutes. To the pan add butter, sage, and vegetable stock. Heat just until butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Place chopped walnuts and diced bread in a large bowl. Pour warm vegetable stock mixture over bread. Using your hands toss the bread until it is well coated and most of stock is absorbed.
• Remove squash from oven and turn it cut side up. Divide the stuffing among each squash half; spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each squash until filled. Return to 350°F/175°C oven and bake until stuffing is golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Tip: Use Ontario Idared, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Empire apples.
• More recipes featuring fresh local ingredients are available at mushrooms.ca.

APPLE & WALNUT STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut off and discard small piece from pointed end of squash. Cut squash crosswise in half; remove and discard seeds. Place, cut sides down, on microwaveable plate. Microwave on HIGH 10 to 12 min. or until squash is very tender.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 4 to 5 min. or until tender and golden brown. Stir in apples; cook 1 min. Add cream cheese; cook 1 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in nuts.
• Place squash, cut sides up, on serving platter; fill centers with apple mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

CHEESY APPLE AND WALNUT STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425° with a rack in the center position. Rub the squash with the oil and roast on a large baking sheet, cut sides down, until tender, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: In a small saucepan, bring the quinoa and broth to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, covered, until the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes; gently fluff with a fork.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet, then add the shallot, garlic, and sage. Cook until the shallot is lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and add the apple. Cook until the apples are tender, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the quinoa, blue cheese, and walnuts. Season with more salt to taste.
• Invert the acorn squash and fill each cavity with the stuffing mixture. Drizzle the maple syrup over the squash and return to the oven. Bake until the filling is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

MUSHROOM, APPLE, AND WALNUT STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
• Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake about 30 minutes or until soft.
• Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan heat olive oil. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add celery and continue to sauté for 5 minutes. Lower heat and add apples. Continue to cook until apples become tender, about 5 minutes. To the pan add butter, sage, and vegetable stock. Heat just until butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Place chopped walnuts and diced bread in a large bowl. Pour warm vegetable stock mixture over bread. Using your hands toss the bread until it is well coated and most of stock is absorbed.
• Remove squash from oven and turn it cut side up. Divide the stuffing among each squash half; spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each squash until filled. Return to 350°F/175°C oven and bake until stuffing is golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Serve hot alongside a festive ham or weeknight roast chicken.
• Tip: Use Ontario Idared, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Empire apples. More recipes featuring fresh local ingredients are available at mushrooms.ca.