Mushroom, Apple, and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients

• 4 small-medium sized acorn squash, seeded, cut in half lengthwise
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 8 oz (227 g) fresh mixed mushrooms (portabella, shiitake, oyster), coarsely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, thinly diced
• 2 Ontario apples, peeled and finely diced• 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) walnuts, roughly chopped• 1 small loaf of day-old sourdough or French bread, cut into ¼ inch cubes (approximately 5 cups)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Serve hot alongside a festive ham or weeknight roast chicken.

Notes