Stuffed Acorn Squash

Description
Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

 * 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
 * 1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
 * 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (cooked in chicken broth)
 * 1 tart red cooking apple, cored and chopped
 * 1/2 cup chopped onion
 * 1/2 cup sliced celery
 * 1/4 cup seedless raisins
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 * 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 2 tablespoons maple syrup
 * 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
 * 2 eggs, beaten
 * 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
 * 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
 * 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

 * 1) Place squash cut-side down in shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees 30 minutes.
 * 2) Meanwhile, cook sausage in small skillet over medium heat, stirring to crumble. Drain sausage.
 * 3) Combine sausage with rice, apple, onion, celery, raisins, cinnamon, pepper and syrup in large bowl.
 * 4) Turn squash cut-side up; brush with butter. Fill evenly with rice stuffing. Cover and bake 45 to 50 minutes.