Ingredients:

3 small acorn squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed

1 lb (454 g) minced turkey or chicken

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon onion salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

1 medium apple, peeled, cored and diced

2 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 cups cooked brown rice (you can use any rice leftovers from the meals)

3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Salt and ground black pepper to taste, optional

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400º F (200º C). Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray.
• Place squash (cut side down) on prepared baking sheet. Bake in centre of oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until tender.
• Meanhwile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large frying pan over medium heat; add minced meat, onion salt and garlic salt, breaking minced meat up with wooden spoon. Cook for 2 minutes; add diced aple and chopped green onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes longer or until turkey is no longer pink.
• Stir in cranberries and pecans and cook for 1 minute.
• Add rice and half of the shredded Cheddar cheese to the meat mixture and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Turn cooked squash over so that cut sides are facing up. Divide rice and meat mixture among squash halves and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbling.

Makes 6 servings.

Acorn squash is packed with important nutrients; high in vitamin C, provitamin A, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, all of which are critical for maintaining good health.

This tasty squash, also known as pepper squash, is a good source of fibre (both soluble and insoluble fiber), and a very good source of antioxidants such as plant pigments called carotenoids, which have powerful antioxidant effects.

Acorn squash has pleasing (slightly nutty) flavor, and can be used baked, cooked, or raw in many sweet and savory dishes.

The most common variety of acorn squash is the dark green but they come in a variety of colors and sizes like: yellow, yellow-orange, and white. Inside, flesh of acorn squash is same like in pumpkins, golden-yellow.

Note: When buying acorn squash, keep in mind that it is particularly susceptible to the absorption of pesticides (like many other common produce items), and should be purchased in organic varieties whenever possible.