QUINOA STUFFED ACORN SQUASH RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut side of each squash with 1/2 teaspoon honey; place squash, cut side down, onto the baking sheet, and bake for 40 minutes, or until tender.
• Meanwhile, put the quinoa and 1 c water into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover; cook until all the water is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• In a dry medium-size skillet, toast the nuts over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, three to five minutes. Allow them to cool, then chop them.
• Heat the oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and cook until is softened and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds more. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon and ginger. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the lemon juice.
• Add the onion mixture to the cooked quinoa, stirring until well combined. Stir in the almonds, apricots, parsley and mint; season with salt and pepper. To serve, place a squash half on a serving plate then fill each piece of squash with one quarter of the quinoa mixture. Drizzle each with 1 teaspoon of honey, and serve.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Cut squash crosswise in half; discard seeds. Cut a thin slice from bottom of each half to allow them to lie flat. Place on a baking sheet, hollow side up; brush tops with oil. Mix 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt and garlic powder; sprinkle over top. Bake until almost tender, 25-30 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble sausage with onion over medium heat until no longer pink, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic, pepper and the remaining Italian seasoning and salt; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in quinoa and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly. Stir in egg and parsley; spoon into squash., Bake until filling is heated through and squash is tender, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and additional parsley.