INGREDIENTS

  • 3 acorn squash
  • fresh ground pepper
  • freshly ground nutmeg
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup wild rice
  • 1 1/2 cups canned low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt , plus extra
  • salt , to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove , minced
  • 1 large celery rib , finely chopped
  • 2firm pears , peeled, halved lengthwise, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts , toasted
  • 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. Cut each squash in half crosswise. Scoop out and discard the seeds and strings.
  2. If necessary, trim the top and bottom so that the squash will sit level, and place on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. Sprinkle each half with a little salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste.
  3. Using 3 tablespoons of the butter, dot each half with some butter. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake the squash just until moist and tender, about 45 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, combine the rice, chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 cups of water, in a medium saucepan.
  5. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a bare simmer, partially cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 40 minutes. When the rice is done most of the water should be evaporated.
  6. In a 10-inch saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  7. Swirl to coat the pan and saute the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
  8. Add the pears and saute 2 minutes longer. Cover the pan, adjust the heat to medium-low, and cook the vegetables until crisp-tender, 3 minutes longer.
  9. Add the sage, thyme, and parsley and saute 1 more minute. Remove from the heat.
  10. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sauteed vegetables and pears, walnuts and dried cranberries.
  11. Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired. Mound the rice mixture into the squash halves, dividing it evenly.
  12. Cut the remaining tablespoon of butter into small pieces. Dot each stuffed squash with butter. Cover with foil.
  13. Bake at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 20 minutes.