BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH STUFFED WITH APPLES AND SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Lightly oil baking dish.
• Half squash lengthwise and remove seeds.
• Arrange squash cut side up on the baking dish.
• Brush lightly with oil and cover with foil.
• Bake until almost tender, 30-40 minutes.
• Keep the oven on.
• Meanwhile, crumble the sausage into a skillet and cook over medium heat until no longer pink.
• Add apple.
• Cook, stirring until crisp-tender.
• Let cool slightly.
• Scoop out the squash, leaving 3/8 inch thick shells.
• Lightly mix the squash pulp into the sausage mixture breaking up squash as little as possible.
• Mix the butter, brown sugar, pecans, sage, salt and pepper.
• Pile the stuffing into the squash halves.
• Dot with bits of butter and brown sugar.
• Bake uncovered until piping hot and brown and crusty on top, 20-25 minutes.
• Let cool for several minutes before serving.