Welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time! I am Renee Reid, an emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and yoga teacher. Today, we are diving into a special holiday recipe that is as delicious as beautiful: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries. This Meatless Monday dish is perfect for adding a festive touch to your table, whether hosting a holiday meal or enjoying a cozy night at home. It is loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants ideal for managing blood sugar levels and supporting overall wellness.
Why You'll Love This Dish
Not only does this stuffed acorn squash look stunning, but it is versatile and packed with flavor. The sweet, roasted acorn squash is filled with a wild rice mixture of sweet, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. This blend of sweet and savory flavors gives it a satisfying, indulgent taste while still nutritious. Plus, it is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for all diets, and it's simple to adapt with different fillings if you want to change things up!
Ingredients:
To make this dish, you will need:
- 2 acorn squashes, halved, and seeds removed.
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- Diced 1 small onion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans.
- Fresh rosemary and sage (or any holiday herbs you like)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut each acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush the insides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Filling: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat while the squash is roasting. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the wild rice and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
- Add the Mix-Ins: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh herbs. Season with some salt and pepper, and your filling is ready!
- Stuff and Bake: Remove the squash from the oven, turn them over, and fill each half with the wild rice mixture. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until everything is heated.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed acorn squash halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed. You can also scoop out the filling and use it in salads or as a side for other meals.
Diabetic Toolbox Reminders and Special Offers
Before we wrap up, I want to remind you about the It is Not Over Until I Win collection at Renee & Ruby's. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just a little pick-me-up, these items are designed to inspire persistence and resilience. And with every purchase, you support The Diabetic Toolbox and help us reach more people with diabetes support. So, check out Renee & Ruby's today for an inspiring gift!
And in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, I have a special offer for you. If you are ready to tackle emotional eating head-on, grab our Emotional Eating and Diabetes: Taking Back Control book bundle, now 20% off! This guide will help you break free from emotional eating, create a personalized wellness plan, and manage your diabetes with confidence. Thank you for taking that first step today.
Lastly, do not let emotional eating control your diabetes! Take our free quiz to see how your emotions influence your eating habits. When you download our "Is Your Hunger Real?" quiz, you will also get a free mini eBook, Relax and Recharge: Easy-to-Implement Tools to Help You Manage Your Sleep for Better Health and Less Stress. Sleep quality is crucial for effective diabetes management, and this guide is packed with simple strategies to improve your sleep and lower stress.
All right, my friend, that is all for you today! To keep the conversation going, follow our blog, where you will find more tips and resources. And do not forget to join us tomorrow when we will be talking about men's self-care myths.
Share this blog post with someone you love, and until next time, take care of yourself and each other. Talk to you soon!
With Peace & Love,
Renee