Wednesday WOW Recipe

My good friend, Becca made these amazing stuffed squashes and made such a delicious fuss about them… I begged for the recipe.  I’ve never made anything like this before, but I’m going to try it tonight!  I know, it will take more than 20 minutes, but I can’t pass up such a yummy fall treat!  I’ll keep you posted if there was success… kid proof winner!

Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squashes

• 2 medium acorn squashes (about 2 pounds), halved and seeded
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 lb. ground chuck (95 percent lean) or ground turkey
• ground cinnamon
• ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp. course salt
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup craisins
• 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts

1. Preheat oven to 400. Place squashes, cut sides down in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Bake until tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 4-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add ground beef, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer beef to a bowl or plate using a slotted spoon, keeping as much of the cooking liquid in the pot as possible.

3. Add onion, and cook until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add remaining teaspoon salt and the bulgur, and stir to combine.  Add water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.  Take pot off the stove and let sit covered for 5 minutes.  Fluff with fork, and add reserved beef, the raisins, parsley and pine nuts.

4. Scrape out baked squashes, forming 1/4 inch thick bowls, and fold flesh into bulgur mixture. Divide among squash halves, and return to the oven. Bake until warmed through and tops are browned. 12 to 14 minutes.