Acorn Squash with Harvest Rice Stuffing

Ingredients

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