South Beach Turkey Sausage and Pear Stuffing

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 loaf whole grain bread, cut into cubes (about 12 oz of bread, around 4 cups cubed)
• 1 lb sweet Italian turkey sausage
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 bosc pear, coarsely chopped (may substitute Anjou or Bartlett)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350°F Lightly oil with olive oil a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Place bread cubes in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Remove sausage from casings and break into 1/2-inch pieces. Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, around 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with bread cubes.

4. 4

   Return the skillet to the heat. Add 2 Tbsp of broth, and using a wooden spook, scrape any browned bits of sausage from the bottom of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tsp oil, celery, and onion; cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add pear and sage; cook about 2 minutes more.

5. 5

   Transfer vegetable mixture to the bowl with bread and sausage. Add the beaten egg and stir to combine ingredients. Add remaining broth, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix well.

6. 6

   Spread stuffing evenly in baking dish. Bake until top is crispy and stuffing is heated through, about 30 minutes.