Turkey Stuffing with Hazelnuts

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Saute the celery and onions over low heat until softened but not browned, 10 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking up any large chunks, until it is cooked through and lightly browned, 10 minutes. Add sausage to the vegetables in the bowl. Stir the apples, hazelnuts and cherries into the sausage mixture. Add the bread cubes and toss lightly. Sprinkle with the salt, thyme, sage and pepper. Toss lightly again. Add the port and broth and toss until well blended. Use about 7 cups of stuffing for the cavity of an 18 to 20 pound turkey, another 3 cups for the neck area. Any remaining stuffing can be put in an oven proof casserole and baked for about 1 hour, loosely covered with foil. Posted to Gails Recipe Swap by M.S. Recipe by: New Basics Cookbook Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #906 by Dianne Larson Ward on Nov 13, 1997