SAUSAGE APPLE AND CRANBERRY STUFFING RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Saute the sausage in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and drippings to a large bowl. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to the skillet and saute until the leeks are soft, about 8 minutes. Mix in the drained cranberries, sage and rosemary. Add the mixture to the sausage, then mix in the croutons and parsley. Next add the chicken stock a little at a time until the stuffing is very moist. Be sure not to overdo it; it shouldn't be mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a casserole dish. (The stuffing can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)
• Bake in a 14-inch oval or 9 by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish and place, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the center piping hot. Remove and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cook the onion in the butter until soft but not browned. Add the breadcrumbs and stir so they soak up all the excess butter and fat. Let the mixture cool. Tip into a bowl with the sausagemeat, apple, cranberries, pistachios, sage and mixed spice. Mix well, then roll into balls. You can now cover and chill for up to a day before cooking.
• To cook, place in a roasting tin and bake for 40 mins, turning a few times, or until browned all over. Add the bay leaves, if using, for the final ten minutes of cooking.