Sausage Cauliflower Stuffed Pumpkin

We're smack dab in the middle of pumpkin season. Think beyond pie and pumpkin loaf and you'll find lots of ways to use this fiber and vitamin rich squash. Like stuffing it for an easy cosy seasonal meal. 

Ingredients:

1 medium pumpkin, about 3 lbs

olive oil

Stuffing:

1 tbsp olive oil

12 oz hot Italian sausage, remove casings

4 1/2 cups cauliflower florets

1 1/2 cups shredded jalapeño cheddar 

Pierce the skin of the pumpkin several times with a knife and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. Then cut the pumpkin in half and clean out the seeds and strings using a grapefruit spoon and scissors or even an ice cream scoop works well. Brush the inside and cut edge with olive oil and sit cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when you can easily pierce it with a knife. While the pumpkin bakes prepare the stuffing. In a saucepan blanch the cauliflower florets for 4-5 minutes then drain. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the sausage meat, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 5 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the pan then add the cauliflower. Spoon the meat and cauliflower into the pumpkin halves and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Each half pumpkin serves 2 people with a side of potatoes or salad. Serves 4

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