Tex Mex Stuffed Acorn Squash Food

TEX-MEX STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Brush cut sides and cavity of squash with oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of the pepper. Place cut side down on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake 30-40 minutes until tender (don't pierce it with a fork though). Turn cut side up.
• Mix beans, nuts, tomatoes, scallions, cumin and remaining 1/4 tsp pepper in a medum bowl.
• Spoon a heaping 1/2 cup of bean mixture into each squash half, pressing down gently to get all the filling inches Sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.

CHEESY RICE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a large microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon water; dot with 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce with a knife to vent. Microwave until tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring to melt. Add the nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the rice and spinach.
• Transfer the squash to a rimmed baking sheet and fill with the rice mixture. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Top with parsley.

CHICKEN ENCHILADA-STUFFED SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the squash halves in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup water; cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and poblano and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. Add the enchilada sauce and chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the acorn squash cut-sides up in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Divide the chicken filling evenly among the squash halves and top with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is lightly golden and melted, 10 to 12 minutes. Top with sour cream and more cilantro.