Turkey & Apple Sausage Patties

When it comes to breakfast, I'm not one who desires pancakes. Maybe a few times a year. However, if you place a sausage breakfast sandwich in front of me, chances are- I'll take two. The downside? Sausage isn't exactly the healthy breakfast meat. I was looking for a healthy, yet tasty sausage recipe, and I found one in Elly's blog. With the fall season in full swing here, I also included grated apple and a smidgen of pure maple syrup to add a nice sweetness to the patties. I have to say- these were quite tasty. If you really want to amp up the taste factor, I'd suggest including 1/2-lb ground pork (but decreasing the salt to 1/2 tsp tsp). But on its own, this will replace my old standby Bob Evans sausage any day! I toasted a whole-wheat English muffin, scrambled some egg whites, and melted a slice of low-fat cheddar cheese- it was a great start to my Saturday morning.

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
½ cup grated apple
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 lb. ground turkey*
3/4 tsp. dried thyme
3/4 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp white pepper (or can substitute black pepper)
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp allspice
1 Tbsp. maple syrup

Directions:
1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and grated apple, and cook for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from pan and cool.
3. Lightly mix the remaining ingredients together until the herbs/spices are well incorporated - make sure you don't over mix!
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts, and then make 4 patties.
5. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add 1 tsp. of oil. Place the patties into the pan and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.
6. Repeat with the next 1-2 batches, adding an additional teaspoon of olive oil per batch.


*Ground chicken breast will make a leaner patty, but dark (or a mixture of white and dark)
meat will make a tastier patty.

Source: Adapted from Elly Says Opa!