Cranberries are a major crop in Southeastern Massachusetts and harvesting is a sight to experience if you are able. Makepeace Cranberry Company in Wareham MA is a fine place to visit and to buy the freshest of cranberries.
Below you will find a list of nutritional benefits and a recipe for Savory Cranberry Acorn Squash
Here is a list of benefits of cranberries as noted on Healthline
Vitamin C. vitamin C is one of the predominant antioxidants in cranberries. It is essential for the maintenance of your skin, muscles, and bone.
Manganese. manganese is essential for growth, metabolism, and your body’s antioxidant system.
Vitamin E. A class of essential fat-soluble antioxidants.
Vitamin K1. Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting.
Copper. A trace element, often low in the Western diet. Inadequate copper intake may have adverse effects on heart health.
Cranberries are known to support kidney and bladder functions and help prevent UTI’s .
Cranberries have zero cholesterol and are considered a heart healthy food.
Cranberries were a medicinal food for Native Americans.
Cranberries taste delicious!
Recipe for You
Savory Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
acorn squash
2 acorn squash
Oliver oil as needed
1 yellow onion chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 T. each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage, chopped fine
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400. Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds.
Place squash cut side up on a baking sheet; drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
While squash is baking, drizzle olive oil in a sauté pan ; add onion and celery; sauté until tender.
Add quinoa, cranberries, herbs and broth. Cover and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
Stir in pecans or walnuts.; spoon into cooked squash and sprinkle with feta.
Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese is slightly brown.
For most, this dish should stand alone for a nutritious dinner. While it is a high carbohydrate meal. all of the ingredients are complex carbohydrates so they will absorb slowly into the bloodstream, which is what you want for a satisfying meal that should not spike your blood sugar.