This stuffing recipe replaces classic bread crumbs with nutritious butternut squash for a side to your turkey dinner that is salty, savory tangy and sweet.

1 large butternut squash peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes, about 5 1/2-6 cups
1 1/2 TB coconut oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 TB cooking fat (ghee, coconut oil, or lard), approximate
1 small onion chopped
3 celery stalks chopped
1 lb pork sausage (nitrate-free) *
1 large apple or 2 small, cored and chopped
1/4-1/2 tsp salt
1 TB + 1 tsp dried poultry seasoning
3/4 C dried cranberries
1 egg whisked (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

*option to use turkey sausage in place of pork, or for a vegan option try chickpeas and omit the egg

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the butternut squash cubes with the 1 1/2 TB coconut oil and 1/4 tsp salt, and spread out in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring or turning once for even browning. Squash should be soft and toasty brown before removing.
2. While the squash is roasting, get your other ingredients chopped and ready.
3. Heat a large skillet (cast iron/ovenproof is ideal) over med to med-hi heat and add the 2 TB cooking fat.  Once heated, add chopped onion and celery and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the ground sausage to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break up lumps and stir as it cooks. Cook the sausage with the onions and celery until browned, lower heat to medium.
5. Add the chopped apples and cook for a couple of minutes until just softened. Add the salt and poultry seasoning. Lower the heat and stir to combine all flavors. Simmer for 2 more minutes, remove from heat and set aside.
6. Once the butternut squash is roasted (it should be light brown and crisp on the outside) add it to the sausage mixture along with the dried cranberries and toss to combine. Now add the whisked egg (optional)  to the mixture and toss to incorporate.
7. Lower the oven heat to 375 degrees. If you used an ovenproof skillet, you can bake right in the skillet. If your skillet is not ovenproof, transfer the entire mixture to a 2-3 qt baking dish and spread out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes (less, if omitting egg) or until toasty and set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!!