Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients:
1 lb. bulk sausage

2/3 cup celery, chopped

1-2 medium onions, chopped

2 Tbsps. butter

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped(optional)

3/4 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped

4 cups dry whole wheat or white bread cubes

1-1/2 - 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped/snipped

1/2 - 3/4 cup half-and-half

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, saute sausage, celery and onions in butter over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until sausage is not showing any pink and the veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in apples, walnuts and apricots. Cook and stir for 4 more minutes.

5. In a large bowl, toss together cooked sausage mixture, bread cubes, poultry seasoning and parsley. 6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of half-and-half, egg, salt and pepper.

7. Add to bread mixture and toss lightly to combine. If necessary, add a little more of the remaining half-and-half OR Brandy to make a stuffing of desired moistness.

8. Transfer stuffing to prepared casserole dish.

9. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more or until heated through.

10. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the stuffing should register 165 degrees F when stuffing is done.

This stuffing should serve 6-8 people.