Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing

1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread

3 3/4 cups cubed white bread

1 pound ground turkey sausage

1 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup chopped celery

2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage

1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and chopped

3/4 cup Crasins

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 cup turkey stock

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1.            Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.

2.            In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

3.            Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, parsley, and liver. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly.

4.            Bake at 350 until heated through (around 30-40 minutes).  Check frequently to make sure it stays moist (since not baking in turkey you may need to add more stock).  This can also be made in the crockpot—less checking is needed since the crockpot helps retain the moisture.

Hint:  To make ahead, combine all ingredients EXCEPT liquids.  Refrigerate then before baking add butter and stock.  I will often make this using packed stuffing mix (bread only).  Fresh herbs taste best, double amounts if using fresh herbs.