Quick and Simple Stuffed Acorn Squash 

When you’re planning holiday dinners, add this healthy stuffed acorn squash recipe to your menu. It’s easy to make alongside turkey, ham, or other dishes that you’re serving. This side dish is also filled with supportive nutrients for cognitive function. 

Acorn squash contains antioxidants, such as carotenoids and vitamin C, that may support healthy cognition. Garlic, cinnamon, and spinach also have antioxidants. In fact, spinach has multiple antioxidants, such as vitamin K, lutein, beta carotene, and folate. 

Cranberries contain flavonoids, which are compounds that may provide support for cognitive function, such as memory. Nutmeg also has compounds that may support cognition. 

Walnuts are a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, polyphenolic compounds, and melatonin. All of these nutrients may offer cognitive support. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 halved acorn squash with seeds removed 
• 1 tsp coconut oil 
• 4 large minced garlic cloves 

• 1 diced red onion 
• 1/2 tsp sea salt 
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries 
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg 
• 1/2-3/4 cup chopped walnuts 
• 2 tbsp honey 
• 2 tsp brown sugar or coconut sugar 
• 1-2 cups baby spinach 

• 1/2 cup coconut oil 

Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Fill baking tray with 1/2-inch water, then put squash on tray with the cut side down. 
• Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until squash is tender. 

• Add coconut oil to medium pan, then sauté garlic and onion on medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes. 
• Add salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cranberries, and cook until cranberries are soft, stirring occasionally. 
• Add honey and walnuts, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until walnuts are golden-brown. Remove pan from heat. 
• Remove squash from oven, drain water, flip squash halves over, and add cranberry filling. 
• Sprinkles edges of squash with brown or coconut sugar, then put the baking tray back in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to brown the sugar. 

• Drizzle honey over squash before serving. 
• Sauté spinach in the same medium pan, season with sea salt, and serve with squash. 

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving or other festive occasions to enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor of this nutritious side dish. Make it for lunch, or serve it with a regular weekday dinner for a healthy meal packed with nutrients. For even more cognitive support, consider taking Prevagen. These supplements may support cognitive function through ingredients, such as apoaequorin, which was originally discovered in jellyfish. Read Prevagen reviews for more details about this supplement.