stuffed rond de nice squash

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 pounds rond de Nice squash (about 6), (large zucchini, either cut in half lengthwise or cut into pieces 2-inches tall and scooped out, may be substituted for rond de Nice.)
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon, olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/3 pound loose mild Italian sausage
• 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
• If poaching in oil:
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1/2 bunch of thyme
• 20 whole black peppercorns
• 1 head garlic, cut in half
• 2 to 3 1/2 cups olive oil