Turkey Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1 medium green apple
• 1 medium red apple
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• 1 (6 ounce) bag dried cranberries
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb sweet Italian turkey sausage, meat removed from casing (can substitute sweet Italian pork sausage, if you prefer, Aunt Raffy uses pork, Giada likes turkey)
• 8 ounces steamed whole chestnuts (Aunt Raffy leaves them whole, Giada likes them chopped)
• 1/2 lb day old cornbread or bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, pinched into pieces

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Core the apples and dice them into 1-inch cubes. Dice the onion into 1/2-inch cubes.

3. 3

   Over medium low heat, sauté the apples and onion in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil melted together with the unsalted butter. Cook for 10 minutes, until softened. Add the wine, cranberries, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool; set aside.

4. 4

   Over medium high heat in a large pan, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil and add the turkey sausage removed from the casings. Cook until browned well, breaking the pieces up with a wooden spatula or spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes.

5. 5

   In a large bowl combine the sautéed fruit/onion mixture, cooked sausage, chestnuts (whole or chopped), cornbread, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently but well. Add the chicken broth and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan and toss again (may add another 1/2 cup broth if you feel the stuffing is too dry).

6. 6

   Oil a large casserole dish (8.5 x 8.5 inch) with olive oil or pan spray, then pour stuffing into dish. Be gentle when spreading it in the pan, you don't want to smash the bread cubes.

7. 7

   Sprinkle over the remaining Parmesan, and dot with the butter pieces.

8. 8

   Bake in 400 degree F oven on middle rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is golden brown.