Mushroom, Apple, and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

These savoury stuffed squash are an easy accompaniment to a festive meal or casual weeknight dinner. The meaty mushrooms add beautiful texture to the stuffing, while the apples add a layer of tartness and bite.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8

Ingredients

• 4  small-medium sized acorn squash, seeded, cut in half lengthwise
• 1  pinch  salt and pepper
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 8  ounces  fresh  mixed mushrooms, coarsely chopped (portabella, shiitake, oyster)
• 2  celery ribs, thinly diced
• 2  ontario apples, peeled and finely diced
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  tablespoon fresh sage leaf, finely chopped
• 1  cup  vegetable stock
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1  loaf  sourdough bread, cut into cubes

Directions

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. Tip: Use Ontario Idared, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Empire apples.
7. More recipes featuring fresh local ingredients are available at mushrooms.ca.