Careme

Instructions

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1. 1.

   Heat the oven to 425°F. Halve the 1 acorn squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Rub the cut surfaces and cavities with 2 teaspoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, until the flesh is easily pierced with a knife.

2. 2.

   While the squash roasts, gently mix 8 ounces ground beef with 5/8 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes. Set aside while you prepare the filling ingredients.

3. 3.

   Quarter and thinly slice 8 ounces crimini mushrooms. Core and cut 1 small apple into 1/4-inch dice. Mince 2 garlic cloves and roughly chop 1/4 cup walnuts.

4. 4.

   Rinse 1/3 cup long-grain white rice. Put it in a small saucepan with 2/3 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes, then fluff.

5. 5.

   Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Spoon off excess rendered fat, leaving a thin coating in the skillet.

6. 6.

   Add the prepared mushrooms and apple to the beef. Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the prepared garlic and these seasonings:

   • 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

   Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and the beef reaches 160°F.

7. 7.

   Fold the cooked rice and prepared walnuts into the beef-and-mushroom mixture. Turn the roasted squash halves cut-side up and gently loosen a little flesh inside each cavity with a fork, leaving the shells intact. Mound the filling into the halves; place any excess beside them on the baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes to bring everything together.

8. 8.

   Let the stuffed squash stand for 2 minutes. Plate one half per person, spooning any extra filling alongside.

Want more detail? See the temperature guide.