Menu Plan for the week of Sept. 27, 2013: Day 5 Recipes

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ham and Quinoa

Cooking time: 35 minutes for menu using microwave Cooking schedule: see below for instructions

Acorn squash is perfect for stuffing: they're small with a large, hollow center. 1 squash is a perfect size for 2 people. With the addition of South American quinoa, this a very 'new world' dish.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ham and Quinoa
Preparation and cooking time: 60 minutes, 35 if you use a microwave
The squash bakes while the stuffing is prepared and just needs 10 minutes to finish. I usually can't get all of the stuffing in, so I keep it warm and serve it on the side. The salty ham and slightly crunchy quinoa contrast well with the sweet squash. And, yes, the mustard works too!

1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup (8oz, 240ml) chicken stock
1 acorn squash
8oz (240gr) slice baked or deli-style ham
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 rib celery optional
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup (4oz, 120ml) chicken stock
1 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs fresh sage substitute 1 tbs dried, crumbled
1 1/2 tbs cornstarch (corn flour, maizena) dissolved in 2 tbs water

Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Either place face down on tray and microwave for 10 - 12 minutes or put into a baking dish, cover with foil and bake in 400F (200C) oven for 40 minutes.
While squash cooks: Cook the quinoa in 1 cup chicken stock for 15 minutes or according to your package directions, until all liquid is absorbed and it's done. (Check your package directions for correct quantity of stock and cooking times.)
Chop onion and celery; mince garlic. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery 5 minutes then add garlic. Sauté 5 more minutes or until onion and celery are tender and starting to brown.
Cut the ham into small cubes, about 1/3" (1cm). Add ham, sage and sauté until ham starts to brown. Add mustard, 1/2 cup chicken stock and stir well to combine. Dissolve cornstarch in water. When ham mixture is simmering stir cornstarch in, a little at a time. (You may not need it all). You want it very thick but not paste. When quinoa is done add it to ham mixture and stir to combine.
To assemble: When squash are ready (they should be tender, almost done) remove from wherever they cooked and fill with the quinoa/ham mixture. Bake (not microwave for this last bit) uncovered for 10 minutes, until heated through and squash is done.

Cooking schedule: 35 minutes
Assemble all food, utensils and serving dishes
Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives,
large skillet, small saucepan with lid, baking dish,
plate if using microwave
Turn oven on, 400F (200C)
Cut squash, scoop out seeds
Start to cook squash - either method
Start to cook quinoa
Chop onion, celery and sauté

Mince garlic, add to onion/celery
Cut ham
Add ham and sage to onion/celery
Add mustard, stock, stir well and bring to boil
Dissolve cornstarch in stock, thicken ham mixture
Add quinoa, stir to combine
When squash is ready, stuff and bake
10 minute break
Remove squash
Serve

Stuffed Acorn Squash / Ham and Quinoa

Menu Plan for the week of Sept. 27, 2013: Day 5 Recipes

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ham and Quinoa

Need help planning dinner? Do you have a garden? A CSA for fresh veggies?

Try our Weekly Menu Plans: Healthy Gourmet Dinners; Quick, Easy Recipes.
Each week carefully planned to reduce waste and use a lots of fresh, seasonal veggies.

Stuffed Acorn Squash / Ham and Quinoa

Menu Plan for the week of Sept. 27, 2013: Day 5 Recipes

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Ham and Quinoa

Need help planning dinner? Do you have a garden? A CSA for fresh veggies?

Try our Weekly Menu Plans: Healthy Gourmet Dinners; Quick, Easy Recipes. Each week carefully planned to reduce waste and use a lots of fresh, seasonal veggies.

Try our Weekly Menu Plans: Healthy Gourmet Dinners; Quick, Easy Recipes.
Each week carefully planned to reduce waste and use a lots of fresh, seasonal veggies.