Acorn Squash with Harvest Rice Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted butter, divided
• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1/3 cup (75 mL)chopped walnut halves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped dried and sweetened cranberries
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) long grain and wild rice1
• tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh thyme, divided
• black pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup (150 mL) water