PHASE 2

Turkey Sausage and Pear Stuffing

PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes

If you prefer, use a multigrain bread with lots of grains and seeds to add extra texture and heartiness to this healthy stuffing. Bartlett or Anjou pears are good substitutes for Bosc.

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for baking dish

1 (¾-pound) loaf whole-grain bread, cut into cubes (4 cups)

1 pound sweet Italian-style turkey sausage

½ cup lower-sodium chicken broth

4 celery stalks, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

1 Bosc pear, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

1 large egg, lightly beaten

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.

Remove sausage from the casings and break into ½-inch pieces. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with bread cubes.

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

Transfer vegetable mixture to the bowl with the bread and sausage. Add egg and stir to combine. Add remaining broth, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix well. Spread stuffing evenly in baking dish. Bake until top is crispy and stuffing is heated through, about 30 minutes.

Makes 12 cups

NUTRITION AT A GLANCE

Per ½ cup: 80 calories, 2 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 6 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 125 mg sodium

MAKE-AHEAD: Stuffing can be made up to 1 day in advance; store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat, covered, in a microwave or 325°F oven before serving.