Sausage And Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash With Molasses Glaze Recipes

SAUSAGE-STUFFED ACORN SQUASH WITH MOLASSES GLAZE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut two 3/4-inch-thick slices from center of each acorn squash for a total of 8 slices (reserve ends of squash for another use). Scoop out seeds and fibers from center slices and discard. Arrange squash rings in single layer in 15x10x2-inch baking dish.
• Melt butter in heavy medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and green onions; sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to large bowl; cool. Mix in sausage, breadcrumbs, broth, pepper and salt. Mound sausage mixture in center of squash rings, using about 1/3 cup for each. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Brush sausage and squash with half of molasses. Bake 15 minutes. Brush with remaining molasses and bake until squash are tender and sausage is cooked through, about 25 minutes.

ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH SAUSAGE AND RICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Poke holes in the flesh of the squash with a fork. Coat flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until flesh is tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle, 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Meanwhile, combine rice, chicken broth, and water in a rice steamer. Seal and select setting according to manufacturer's instructions; cook until tender, about 18 to 20 minutes.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook until sausage is completely browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender, 3 to 5 more minutes. Stir in sage, pumpkin pie spice, and paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute, then set aside.
• Scoop flesh from the cooled squash halves, leaving about 1/4 inch squash to retain structure. Place squash flesh in a bowl with sausage mixture, Cheddar cheese, and cranberries. Mix to combine then taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Scoop filling into the squash shells and top with additional Cheddar cheese, if desired.
• Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are nicely browned, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.