Acorn Squash Stuffed With Pears (Or Quice And Apples), Cranberries And Pecans Recipe

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   Tested 12/8/01.

2. 2

   Very, very good.

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   Made with half quice and half apples, replacing the pears in the original.

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   Cook the quince for 2-3 min.

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   Add in the apples and cook for 2-3 min longer.

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   Not all which sweet; you might want to increase the sugar if not using pears.

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   Might want to cut down on the pecans a bit.

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   This is so good with the quince, which I doubt which I'll try a version with pears.

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   Cut thin slices from both ends of squash and throw away slices.

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    Halve squash (through middle, not stem ends) and scrape out and throw away seeds and strings.

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    Place halves, cut sides down, in very large roasting pan (or possibly use two large roasting pans), and fill pan or possibly pans with 14-inch water.

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    Bake at 325 degrees on center rack till flesh is very tender when pierced with sharp knife, 50 to 60 min.

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    Remove pan from oven and set aside.

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    Place cranberries in small bowl and cover with boiling water to soften for 5 min.

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    Drain well and pat dry.

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    Peel pears, quarter and remove cores.

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    Cut into 12-inch dice.

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    Heat 2 Tbsp.

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    butter in large heavy skillet over medium heat.

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    When warm, add in pears and saute/fry, stirring, till pears are just softened and slightly golden brown, 3 min or possibly slightly longer.

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    Pears should be tender but not mushy.

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    Don't overcook.

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    Stir in liquid removed cranberries, ginger, pecans and brown sugar, and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.

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    Sprinkle mix with balsamic vinegar and 12 tsp.

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    salt and cook and stir 1 minute more.

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    Remove from heat.

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    Remove squash halves from pan.

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    Pour out water and pat pan dry.

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    Return squash, cut sides up, to pan.

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    Salt cavity of each well and dot with 14 Tbsp.

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    remaining butter.

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    Divide filling proportionately among halves.

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    (Squash can be prepared 2 hrs ahead.

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    Cover with plastic wrap and leave at cold room temperature.)

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    To finish, return squash to oven and bake, uncovered, till heated through, 10 to 15 min or possibly longer.

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    Serve hot.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.