Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Wouldn't these be cute for Valentine's Day? Brown sugar and cinnamon baked acorn squash filled with luscious caramelized apples!

Ingredients:

1 acorn squash

2 tbsps butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 1/2 tsps cinnamon

 

Caramelized apples:

1 1/2 - 2 apples (I used Gala here)

1 1/2 tbsps brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tbsps lime juice

1 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tbsps honey

Fresh or dried thyme to garnish

Cut the squash in half horizontally and scoop out the seeds and strings. A grapefruit spoon does the trick! You may also have to take a thin slice off each bottom so they can sit flat.

Combine the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and spread on the cut side and in the hollows. Turn cut side down on a parchment lined pan. I found a loaf pan fit them perfectly. Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes or until the flesh is tender.

Core and slice the apples and place in a bowl with the brown sugar, cinnamon and lime juice. Toss to coat and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release some of their juice.

In a frying pan heat the butter on high then add the apple slices for 3-5 minutes. Keep them in a single layer as much as possible and flip to caramelize both sides. Remove from heat and add the honey.

Turn the squash halves over and divide the apples between each. You may need to let the apples cool somewhat if you want to handle them and stack them like this. Pour any accumulated juices from the pan over the apples.

If you make these ahead of time just pop them in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes. Then garnish with fresh or dried thyme and serve. Beautiful!

Serves 2

Adapted from: juliasalbum.com

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