Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Dried Cranberry and Apple Stuffing:

1 pound mild bulk breakfast sausage
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only, cleaned well (about 2 large leeks)
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped celery with leaves
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 cup dried cranberries, rehydrated in boiling water for 15 minutes and drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 cups boxed bread cubes (croutons)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 to 3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place 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 to taste. Place in a casserole dish. (The stuffing can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)

Bake in a 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.

*Note: If stuffing a turkey, the stuffing must be cold before being placed in the bird.

The Goodies

There are many wonderful Thanksgiving recipes available. Many of my favorites will be here. I hope you enjoy them. The first recipe I am posting is for the bird of course.

This is a very simple recipe for smoked turkey:

Smoked Turkey

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 1 (20 pound) bag high quality charcoal briquettes
• hickory chips or chunks

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the charcoal into the bottom pan of the smoker. Light the coals and wait for the temperature of the smoker to come to 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). Lightly oil grate.
2. Rinse turkey under cold water, and pat dry. Place hickory chips into a pan with water to cover.
3. Place turkey onto the prepared grate. Add 2 handfuls damp chips at start of cooking, then a handful every couple of hours during the cooking process. Leave the lid on - DO NOT keep looking at turkey, or you will let the heat out! Continue smoking until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches180 degrees F (82 degrees C), or keep going until the coals die out.

Tips:

Don't keep checking bird, you will let the heat out.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure turkey is cooked to correct temperature.
Use orange juice or other liquid in water pan for added flavor.