This is a fun way to get kids to try new flavors.

Try them in an interesting festive package.

It’s also better for the body…

Get the same flavors as a traditional sausage stuffing, but with less fat and with healthier starch options.  Whole Wheat Bread, Brown rice, or Quinoa.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (plus a smidge for brushing)

½ pound lean ground turkey

pinch of sea salt

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon fennel seed

½ teaspoon anise seed

½ teaspoon black Pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 cup chopped sweet onion

1 cup diced celery

1 tablespoon dried sage

½ tablespoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 macintosh apple, cored and chopped

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup orange juice

2 cups Low sodium chicken stock

1 cups Quinoa

3 acorn squash

parsley

S&P

WHAT TO DO:

Preheat your oven to 375.

In a large stock pot heat 1 t olive oil over medium high heat.  Add turkey and cook until no longer pink.  Add in sea salt, paprika, fennel seed, anise seed, and pepper.

Cook for 2-3 minutes and let the spices work into the turkey.

Next add in your chopped onions and celery, give it a good stir and add in your sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Let it cook for 5-8 minutes so the vegetables can soften a bit.  When the veggies have softened toss in your apples, cranberries and orange juice.

Reduce heat and let it simmer until your quinoa is cooked.

Heat a medium saucepan over high heat.  Bring your chicken stock to a boil and add in your quinoa and cover.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.  When you quinoa is done add it to your stuffing mixture and mix well.

Cut each one of your acorn squash in half.  Place them cut side up into a baking dish.  You may need two baking dishes, depending on the size of your squash.

Brush each cut side with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with S&P.  Mound your stuffing mixture into the center of each squash.  Cover with a tin foil tent bake on 375 for 30 minutes.  Remove tin foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.  Serve.

Want to make it vegetarian?  Leave out the turkey!