Apple Filled Squash Halves

A great way to take advantage of the acorn squash that is in season. This could work well for a holiday party that you decide to host. This main course is presented in such a striking way too!

You’ll Need

• 2 acorn squash, medium
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt plus additional salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups apples, pared and chopped
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Cut each of the squash in half and remove the seeds and fibers.
• Place the squash, cut sides down, in an ungreased baking pan.
• Then add water to the depth of 1/4-inch and bake, uncovered, until the squash is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
• While the squash is baking, cook and stir the meat in a large skillet until it is brown.
• Drain off the excess fat.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt as well as the cinnamon, the coarsely chopped tart apples and the raisins.
• When the squash is cooked, turn them so that the cut side is up and move them to a platter.
• Drain off any remaining liquid in the pan and dry.
• Scoop out the pulp from the acorn squash, making a shell that is 1/4-inch thick all the way around.
• Season the shells with salt to taste.
• Mash the pulp and mix in the meat mixture.
• Return to the shells, piling them full and sprinkle with 1/2 Tablespoon of brown sugar on each.
• Drizzle with the melted butter.
• Bake uncovered until the apple is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.