Apple and Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash

INGREDIENTS

butternut squash, cut in half, seeds and pulp removed

2 tbsp

olive oil

1 lb

spicy Italian pork sausage

3 cloves

fresh garlic, peeled and finely minced

1/2

red onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups

baby Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

2 tbsp

fresh sage leaves, julienned

medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks

2 tsp

ground cinnamon

4 oz

chopped walnuts

3 tbsp

cold butter, cut into small chunks

2 tbsp

brown sugar (optional)

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

salt and pepper,