Sausage and Apple stuffed Acorn Squash

Sausage and Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash

2 large acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 Tbsp butter or ghee, melted
1 clove of garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp ground sage, divided
3/4 lb Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
4 oz mushrooms, chopped
1 apple, cored and chopped
1/2  cup  almond meal
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese(skip cheese if doing Whole30)
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the melted butter, garlic, and 1/4 tsp sage. Brush the inside and outside of each squash with the butter mix. Place the squash on a cookie sheet, cut side up, and roast for 50-60 minutes, or until fork tender.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage. When the sausage is browned, remove it from the pan and place on a paper towel lined plate, set aside. To the skillet add the onions, celery, and mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Add the apples and cook for another 2 minutes.
Return the sausage to the skillet then remove from heat. Season with 1/4 tsp sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in the panko and Parmesan. Add the egg and stir to combine.
Divide the stuffing evenly among the four squash halves. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
 Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition Information (per serving): 395 calories; 15.8 g. fat; 113 mg. cholesterol; 413 mg. sodium; 45.3 g. carbohydrate; 5.5 g. fiber; 23 g. protein

Result: These were wonderful and simple to make…and also extremely healthy and rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I also love the moderate calories with the “perfect” distribution of fat, carbohydrate, and protein…while offering 5 1/2 grams of fiber! Hubby ate these and liked them  Enjoy!