Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be the same without a side of stuffing to complement the meal. The recipe below jazzes up a packaged stuffing mix with homespun extras to make a dish everyone will love.

One ingredient in the recipe is Granny Smith apples. Ever wonder why so many recipes call for these apples? That's because this firm apple holds its shape well when cooked. And its puckery, sharp, and zingy flavor adds a distinctive appeal in both sweet and savory recipes. If you can't find Granny Smith, substitute another tart cooking or baking apple such as Cortland.

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 12 minutes Stand: 5 minutes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed, crumbled
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 ribs celery (including leaves) thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrot
3 cups water
1 cup apple juice
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 boxes (6 ounces each) corn bread stuffing mix
Fresh sage, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: In large skillet or large deep pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion, celery, and carrot. Break up sausage with wooden spoon. Sauté for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water, juice, diced apple, and poultry seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 2: Turn off heat and stir in stuffing mix. Cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. If desired, garnish with sage. Makes 12 servings.

Make Ahead: Prepare as above. Spoon into a casserole and let cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To serve, allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Bake about 40 minutes or until instant-read meat thermometer inserted in center registers 140 degrees F.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 223 calories, 10 g total fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 698 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 7 g protein.

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be the same without a side of stuffing to complement the meal. The recipe below jazzes up a packaged stuffing mix with homespun extras to make a dish everyone will love.