• 3 large Gala apples
• 6 precooked sausage links
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ small onion minced
• 3 cups herb stuffing
• 1 cup water
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 3 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in sauce pan and brown onions and warm sausage, add herb stuffing, water and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.

Wash and core apples with melon baller, do not go all the way to the bottom, stuff each apple firmly with sausage stuffing, place remaining butter on top of each apple, and place on cookie sheet in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and drizzle maple syrup into each apple core. Serve immediately.

S.A. Suerner: Arden, NC

2007 N.C. Mountain. State Fair Third Place Winner