Apple Sausage Dressing

(This dressing may be my favorite part of Thanksgiving meals.)

Ingredients

• 3/4 c butter
• 3 medium onions finely chopped
• 3 large tart apples chopped (not finely)
• 1 1/2 lb. pork Italian sausage
• 3 c fresh cornbread coarsely crumbled
• 3 c sourdough bread coarsely crumbled
• 3 c whole wheat bread coarsely crumbled
• 2 t dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 3/4-1 c fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 c pecans chopped
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• Chicken broth (to moisten)

Directions

1. In large skillet melt half of butter (6 T). Add onions & cook over medium heat about 15 minutes till onions are tender. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt the rest of the butter in the same skillet. Cook over medium heat till hot but not mushy. Add apples to onions in mixing bowl.
3. Cook sausage (crumbled) till lightly browned. Transfer with slotted spoon to mixing bowl. Reserve the drippings to moisten the dressing later.
4. Add breads seasonings and pecans to mixing bowl. Mix well (hands work best but you may want to use a wooden spoon at first to avoid burning your hands).
5. Add eggs. Mix.
6. Add sausage drippings just enough broth to make a moist (but not runny) mixture. Bake in casserole dish at 350F for 50 minutes until top is browned and dressing is cooked through. Check halfway through cooking; pouring more broth over top may be necessary to keep it from drying out.