Butternut Squash with Wild Rice and Onion Stuffing
Just in case you can still keep your pants buttoned…

What you'll need:

• 4 medium butternut squashes (roughly 1 pound each)
• 3/4 cup raw wild rice, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon light olive oil
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups firmly packed torn whole wheat bread
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh orange juice

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Halve the squashes and scoop out seeds and fibers. Place them cut side up in shallow baking dishes and cover tightly with lids or foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife but still firm.
3. Meanwhile, boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Stir in the wild rice, reduce to a simmer, then cover and cook until the water is absorbed, about 40 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and garlic and sauté on low to medium heat until golden, 3-4 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice with the sautéed onion and the remaining ingredients. When the squashes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, leaving firm shells about 1/2 inch thick. Chop the pulp and stir it into the rice mixture. Stuff the squashes, place in foil-lined baking dishes, and cover.
6. Before serving, place the squashes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or just until heated through.