Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients

• 4 medium acorn squash (about 1-1/2 pounds each)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fennel seed
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cut squash lengthwise in half; remove and discard seeds. Using a sharp knife, cut a thin slice from bottom of each half to allow them to lie flat. Place squash in a shallow roasting pan, hollow side down; add 1/4 in. of hot water and halved tomatoes. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage, mushrooms, apple, onion and dried seasonings over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain. Add spinach, thyme, salt and pepper; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Carefully remove squash from roasting pan. Drain cooking liquid, reserving the tomatoes. Return squash to pan, hollow side up.

4. Stir cheese, vinegar and reserved tomatoes into sausage mixture. Spoon into squash halves. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and squash is easily pierced with a fork.

This Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful and nutritious meal that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.