• To prepare the Acorn Squash; Preheat the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly wash the outside of the squash and cut in half around the middle. Trim off the tops/bottoms to create a flat surface. Using a small spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard. Lightly drizzle the inside of the squash with extra virgin olive oil and salt. Place the squash face down on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, until the squash is fork tender. Remove the squash from the oven and set aside. 
• To prepare the Ground Pork (Ground Turkey* may also be substituted); In a medium sized frying pan, add the pork and cook over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat and set aside. *If using ground turkey, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan before cooking. 
• To prepare the Quinoa; In a medium sized saucepan add the quinoa and chicken stock. Stir together and bring to a boil over medium/low heat. After the quinoa is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and place a tight fitting lid on top. Cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluffing with a fork at the end. 

Filling for the Squash

• In a large deep skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Saute until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
• Add the apples, celery, italian seasoning, thyme, fennel, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. 
• Stir in the cooked pork, cooked quinoa, and maple syrup. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. 
• Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup of cheese for topping. 

Stuffing the Squash

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grab the pre-baked acorn squashes. 
• Flip the squashes over on the baking sheet to resemble the “bowl like” inside. 
• Divide the filling evenly between all of the squashes (the filling amount per squash will vary depending on the size of the squash bowl). 
• Top with the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. 
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.