Turkey, Wild Rice, and Apple Stuffed Pumpkins

I like to use a wild rice/brown rice blend. Pour 1/2 cup wild and 1/2 cup brown rice into 2 1/4 cups of boiling water plus 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until water is absorbed.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Wash pumpkins. With a sharp knife slice the very tops of the pumpkins off. Next, scoop out the seeds and save them for roasting if desired. Set aside.

3. Peel and chop the onion and garlic. In an large high sided saute pan over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. Remove the onion mixture from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan turn the heat up to medium-high, add a splash of olive oil if needed, and add the ground turkey. Season the turkey with 1/4 teaspoon each of Kosher salt and pepper. Brown the meat until cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.

5. While the turkey is browning, slice, core (peeling is optional), and chop the apple into small cubes.

6. When the turkey is cooked, turn the heat to medium-low. To the turkey add the onions, apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, rice, sage, oregano, and chicken broth. Add the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Taste and add any extra salt and pepper if needed. Simmer until the broth is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

7.On a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet, place the hollowed out pumpkins. Fill the pumpkins to the rim with the stuffing. Place the pumpkin tops back on the pumpkins. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 40 to 50 minutes until the pumpkins are cooked and tender. Test by inserting a toothpick or fork into the side of one pumpkin. If it inserts easily with no resistance it is done. *The larger the pumpkin the longer it takes to cook.

8.Remove from the oven, plate, and serve.