Sausage Stuffing

From FoodNetwork.com

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 15

Ingredients

• 1  lb  sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 3  cups onions, chopped
• 2  cups celery, chopped
• 1  tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 6  cups croutons
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 2  cups dried cherries
• 1  cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 2  cups  chicken stock
• 2  tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
•  salt and pepper, to tast

Directions

1. Saute sausage in a large skillet over medioum-high heat until cooked through, crumbling sausage.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. Transfer sausage with a slotted spoon to a large bowl.
4. Discard sausage fat in pan.
5. Add butter, onions, and celery to skillet and suate until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Add to sausage, along with herbs and croutons.
7. Mix to cobine.
8. In a medium bowl, combine allspice, maple syrupcherries, pecans and chicken stock.
9. Add to crouton mixture. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Add more chicken stock, if necessary.
10. Transfer stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil.
11. Bake for 1 hour. Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes, or until th etop is golden.