Ingredients
Method
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a tiny sliver off the bottom rind of each acorn squash half so they sit flat without rolling.
- Brush the cut flesh and inner cavities of the squash with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Season evenly with sea salt and black pepper. Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and deeply caramelized along the edges.
- While squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and chopped cremini mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until tender and browned. Stir in minced garlic and fresh minced sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked wild rice blend, sautéed mushrooms and onions, diced Honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.
- In a small jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over the wild rice stuffing and toss gently with a wooden spoon to coat thoroughly.
- Remove roasted squash from the oven and carefully flip cut-side up. Generously mound the autumn wild rice filling into each roasted squash cavity. Return to the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and aromatic. Top with crumbled goat cheese and fresh sage before serving.
