Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/8 checked
4
servings
2 unit

acorn squash

halved, seeds removed

3 cup

fresh cranberries

fresh

4 oz

unsweetened applesauce

unsweetened

1 cup

Splenda

0.5 tsp

Allspice

ground

0.25 cup

orange juice

fresh

2 tsp

cornstarch

for thickening

2 tbsp

chopped walnuts

chopped

Step 1
~5 min

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2
~5 min

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray (Pam).

Key Technique: Baking
Step 3
~5 min

Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise.

Step 4
~5 min

Remove seeds and fibers from each squash half.

Step 5
~5 min

Place squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 6
~5 min

Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until squash is tender.

Step 7
~5 min

While squash is baking, combine fresh cranberries, unsweetened applesauce, Splenda, and allspice in a small saucepan.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 8
~5 min

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberry skins begin to pop (about 10-15 minutes).

Step 9
~5 min

In a separate small bowl, combine orange juice and cornstarch; mix well to form a slurry.

Step 10
~5 min

Gradually stir the orange juice mixture into the cranberry mixture.

Step 11
~5 min

Continue to heat, stirring constantly, until the cranberry sauce thickens.

Step 12
~5 min

Remove baked squash from the oven.

Step 13
~5 min

Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly into the cavity of each squash half.

Step 14
~5 min

Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the cranberry filling.

Step 15
~5 min

Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Step 16
~5 min

Serve warm.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Roast the squash a day ahead for easier assembly.

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry mixture for extra warmth.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day in advance

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Serve as a vegetarian main course with a side salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Roasted turkey
Pork tenderloin
Cranberry Sauce

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

North America

Cultural Significance

Traditional Thanksgiving dish

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Thanksgiving
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Thanksgiving
Christmas
Holiday
Fall

Popularity Score

65/100