Inspired by her mother’s acorn squash recipe, this bubbling creation by Christina Machamer is sure to tantalize the olfactory senses.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium acorn squash
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and fine ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 fresh spicy chicken or turkey sausage, casings removed, crumbled
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced small
• 1 cup celery, diced small (save inner leaves for garnish)
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and stemmed
• 8 oz low-fat sour cream
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Begin by slicing squash lengthwise. With a spoon, remove seeds to create a clean cavity for stuffing.
3. Season cut side of squash with salt and pepper. Brush with oil and place cavity-side-down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake squash until fork tender, approximately 45 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, brown sausage until cooked through. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate, if necessary.
5. Return sauté pan to medium-low heat and add onion and celery. Sweat over low heat, scraping fond (sausage bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan) until onions become translucent.
6. Add garlic to onion mixture and sauté until aromatic, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. In a large bowl, combine sausage, onion mixture, spinach and sour cream. Stir well to combine and season, if necessary.
8. When squash are tender, remove from oven and flip over so cavity is facing upwards. Divide stuffing evenly between the 4 halves. Sprinkle with cheese.
9. Bake squash for an additional 15 minutes at 350ºF until stuffing is heated throughout and top begins to turn golden brown. Garnish with reserved celery leaves and serve.

NUTRIENTS per half stuffed squash:

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Sat. Fat: 4.5 g
• Carbs: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 11 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Cholesterol: 35 mg