Turkey With Sausage-Pecan Stuffing

Ingredients

• 4 medium onions
• 1 lb bulk pork sausage
• 2 (6 ounce) packages herb stuffing mix
• 1 (15 ounce) package golden raisins
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 6 celery ribs, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seed
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (12-14 lb)  whole turkey
• melted shortening

Directions

1. 1

   Slice two onions; set aside.

2. 2

   Chop remaining onions.

3. 3

   In a large skillet,brown sausage and chopped onions.

4. 4

   Add herb packet from the stuffing mixes.

5. 5

   Stir in raisins, pecans, celery and seasonings; simmer for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Add stuffing mixes and broth; mix well.

7. 7

   Cook and stir for about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Place reserved onions inside turkey.

9. 9

   Add 6-7 cups stuffing. (Place remaining stuffing in a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish;cover and refrigerate.)

10. 10

    Skewer openings, tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a roasting pan.

11. 11

    Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 4 to 4-1/2.

12. 12

    hours or until a meat thermometer reads 185, basting often with shortening. (Bake reserved stuffing, covered, for 1 hour; uncover and bake 10 minutes more. )

13. 13

    When the turkey begins to brown, baste if needed and cover lightly with foil.

14. 14

    Yield: 12-14 servings (12 cups stuffing).