Preheat oven to 350°.
Brown crumbled sausage in oil.
Combine flour (1/2 cup at a time), butter, sage, maple syrup (or sugar), salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl with a fork until crumbly in texture. Adjust flour as necessary.
Layer 2/3 of flour crumble mixture in an 8X8 baking dish.
Layer sausage on top of flour mixture reserving 3 tablespoons for a *gravy topping if desired. Add remaining flour crumble mixture on top.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until nicely browned.
Suggested serving with a small amount of syrup or *gravy topping and fresh fruit on the side.
* "Sausage" gravy: Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to already browned sausage in pan. Add 5 tablespoon flour and brown slightly. Add 3/4 cup soy milk or vegetable broth and stir constantly over medium heat until thickened to desired gravy consistency. (Use more or less liquid for desired thickness.) Salt and pepper to taste while thickening.