Monday, December 29, 2014

Jewel Stuffed Acorn Squash! GF, V, SCD & Paleo!

Hello Happy Tummies!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

Me and my beautiful mama :)

We're on the countdown to 2015!

At this time of year, I always find myself reflecting on the past 12 months, and thinking about all the blessings in my life. It's so easy to take things for granted, and I always try to remind myself just how much I have to be grateful for.



I have a loving family, wonderful friends, a strong faith in God, my health, a roof over my head, food in my belly, a job that is both challenging and fulfilling, and people who care about and love me.

But enough "sappy stuff." :) Time for some "good eats!"



I wanted to share with you my Christmas dinner meal. It's a show stopper, folks...so hold onto your hats:) 



My Jewel Stuffed Acorn Squash!



A tender and sweet acorn squash stuffed with earthy sweet, jewel-toned roasted veggies!



And it's Gluten and Grain Free, Vegan, Specific Carb Diet Friendly, and Paleo!




Here's what you need: (serves 2)

1 acorn squash, halved, seeds scooped

1/3-1/2 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets1 large beet, sliced into 1/4 inch disks2 carrots, diced small1/2 bunch of kale (about 3 large leaves), stems removed, choppedHandful of pistachiosHandful of dried cranberries


Preheat oven to 375. Spritz the skin and cut-side of the acorn squash with olive oil or coconut oil. On a tin foil lined olive oil sprayed baking sheet, place your squash cut-side down and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the flesh is tender.

On a separate tin foil lined, olive oil sprayed baking sheet, place your beet rounds, carrots, and cauliflower florets. Spray with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper and tarragon. 

Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring/flipping once halfway through. --be sure to watch the carrots so they don't burn!


Meanwhile, sauté your kale in a frying pan in 1 Tbsp EVOO, salt, pepper and tarragon.





When your beet rounds come out of the oven, cut them into matchsticks.




Combine all your veggies with your cranberries and pistachios.


To assemble, fill each squash cavity with a generous scoop of the veggie mixture. Garnish with more cranberries/pistachios if desired.





Wow what a delicious meal this was! It was truly a feast for both the eyes and palate!




The acorn squash is a rather sweet vegetable. It is the perfect canvas for the earthy sweet beets and carrots, and the nutty, golden cauliflower. The cranberries provide this punch of tart sweetness, while the pistachios provide an amazing salty crunch.




And it's so beautiful too. Jewel toned veggies overflowing from a golden chariot of acorn squash yumminess! (Haha sorry--I just saw "Into the Woods" so I've got Cinderella on the brain LOL)






Try this delicious and healthy treat. You will love not only how it tastes, but also how "happy" it makes your tummy feel!

Until Next Time!

31 comments:

  1. Looks wonderful, definitely a feel-good meal! You and your mom are both beautiful. Looks like you love being together too!

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    1. Thanks Chris! That's so kind of you to say. Yeah, I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful mother:) Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful evening!

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  2. Awww.. you and your mom look so gorg. I am loving all of your photos as well. Nice post. I hope you had a great holiday

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    1. Gosh thank you so much:) that's kind of you to say. I hope you've had a wonderful holiday! Happy new year!! :D

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  3. Looks absolutely delicous! I love all those colors! :)

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  4. That was such a joyful day...the food was beautiful and it was the sharing of this time, the conversations, the laughs, and the love of family that made this Christmas amazing.I love having you as my daughter.

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    1. Thanks Mare:) It really was great to be together. love ya

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  5. This stuffed squash loooks absolutely delicious :) I love how colorful it is! Happy 2015!

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    1. Thanks Ceara! Happy 2015 to you too! hope you have a wonderful and fun evening! thanks for stopping by!

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  6. it is so beautiful, it is too nice to eat.

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    1. hahaha thanks Shen:) glad you stopped by! Hope you have an awesome night! Cheers!

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  7. Mmm this sounds wonderful! I'm craving veggies like mad these days, this sounds like it will hit the spot.

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    1. thanks Lauren:) always good to crave veggies:) thanks for stopping by! happy new year!

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  8. This looks like such a pretty & delicious recipe!

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    1. Thank you Lindsey! :) i appreciate that! Happy new year! Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Holy Moly, you always showcase your delicious dishes with the most beautiful photographs ever! I love the one overlooking the water, too. And your mom is so beautiful. Happy New Year!

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    1. thank you so much!! :D i really appreciate that. yeah, my momma is a beautiful lady - inside and out:) thanks for stopping by! happy new year!

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  10. Oh wow! These look beautiful :) and so do you! :) Such a great healthy recipe! Pinning :)

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    1. aw, thanks Vanessa! yep - definitely a healthy dinner! thanks for stopping by! enjoy your evening!

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  11. Beautiful, holiday worthy and so healthy - all in one dish! Eating the rainbow is always a great choice. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you so much! i agree, i love to eat the rainbow! thanks for stopping by! enjoy your evening!

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  12. You're creative in turning healthy meals into enticing ones. Since most people's resolution is "to be healthier" this year, I'm promoting your blog to my friends. This is a huge help to everyone striving to be healthy. :)

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    1. Aw thanks so much:) I appreciate that! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

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  13. Oh my gosh, the colors! I wish I could get acorn squash here in Finland, I miss it, it's one of my favorites. PS I'm envious of your photos, they're gorgeous :)

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    1. Thank you so much Ashley! Wow, Finland! how awesome:) Thanks so much for stopping by! Maybe you could get an acorn squash over the internet? lol :) Have a great afternoon!

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  14. The sunset photo is beautiful! I know I would really love this squash. So many different flavors and textures!

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    1. Thanks Laura! :) Yeah, I love brightly colored food:) hehe thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your afternoon!

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  15. This looks so beautiful and colorful! Love when food tastes as good as it looks AND its healthy! Love it!

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    1. Thanks Kelley!i appreciate that! Thanks for stopping by! Happy Thursday!

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  16. 3 Researches PROVE How Coconut Oil Kills Waist Fat.

    This means that you actually kill fat by eating coconut fat (in addition to coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).

    These 3 studies from big medicinal journals are sure to turn the conventional nutrition world around!

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Thanks for the comments! They make my day!