Savory Stuffed Winter Squash

2 med. winter squash
1/3 c chopped walnuts
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 c diced red onion
1/4 c diced celery
1 clove garlic minced
1 1/4 c Jade Pearl rice
3/4 c diced red pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 1/2 c boiling water
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1/2 tsp fresh sage
2 c grated gouda or cheddar cheese
 

Preheat oven to 400F. Leave the squash whole. Place them in a baking pan in the oven for 1 hr. until tender. Meanwhile toast the walnuts in a lg saucepan over med heat, stirring often ~ 5 min. Add the oil, onion, celery, and garlic. Saute for ~ 5 min. until onions soften. Add the rice, pepper, and salt and cook for 2-3 min. Lower the heat, then slowly pour in the water. Cover and simmer ~ 20 min. Stir in the herbs. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Fill the squash halves with the rice mixture. Top with cheese and serve immed.

From 'Gluten-Free Recipes or the Conscious Cook'  a great seasonal cookbook from our shareholder Leslie Cerier.