Stuffed Acorn Squash

Hi friends...this was supposed to publish on Saturday for you but my account was stuck somehow.  So here we go, sorry about the mix-up.  I am back from camp feeling like a new woman...I will share some photos and details later. 

Squash is the best comfort food to share on chilly fall evenings with friends or family.  Open some Orofino and enjoy!  If you haven't heard of Orofino read about it in my Corky Girl category, it is such a delicious wine! 

ACORN SQUASH with QUINOA & CHERRIES

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Time-to-table: 1 hour
Serves 4
2 acorn squash, washed
Olive oil

1 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed well

1/4 cup dried tart cherries or dried cranberries, preferably halved
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, preferably toasted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400F. Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds and membrane. Rub skin and cut edge with oil.
Place squash face-down on a baking dish (preferably one with sides as high as the squash halves) and bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, return to a boil and cook for 15 – 20 minutes or until liquid cooks away. Stir in the fruit, nuts, maple syrup, butter and cinnamon.
Mound the quinoa mixture in the squash halves. Cover with foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

  You can toast up some of the squash seeds with some tandori seasoning and sea salt and sprinkle on top for a little garnish.  If you haven't tried quinoa don't be afraid...it's a mild grain with amazing nutritional value...Quinoa is heart healthy and an excellent source of dietary fiber providing 11g (45% daily value) per serving. It is a good source iron, vitamin E, riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc; very low in sodium, saturated fat free, and cholesterol free. According to the FDA, "Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fats and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers."

Quinoa has the best amino acid profile of all grains, including lysine and threonine, that are rarely found in cereal grains. The Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) of the United Nations rated the nutritional quality of quinoa's protein similar to casein (milk protein).

Many thanks to my sis for sharing this recipe.  Bon Appetite!

Comments

[Louise]

This looks amazing. I'm actually making acorn squash for dinner tonight. If I have everything on hand I might switch to this recipe. Do you think it would work to sub raisins for the dried cherries/cranberries?

[Tammy]

Oh my! I can't wait to try this recipe. This week for sure. :) It looks amazing! I think subbing raisins for dried cranberries would be sooo goood! Peace!