Breads : Spicy Sausage Sourdough Stuffing

• 1 (1-pound) loaf bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and toasted (about 10 cups)
  
• 2/3 pound Italian sausage
  
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
  
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
  
• 1 tablespoon TABASCO® brand Garlic Pepper Sauce
  
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  
• 2/3 to 1 cup chicken broth
  

Place bread cubes in a large bowl and set aside. Remove sausage from casing and place in a large skillet over medium heat; cook just until slightly browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to bread bowl.

Melt butter in the skillet with sausage drippings. Add onion and celery and cook over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes. Add to bread mixture along with TABASCO^® Garlic Sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and walnuts, if desired; toss well.

Add broth 1/4 cup at a time until desired consistency is reached (when stuffing slightly holds together) and transfer to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes more.

Makes about 10 cups.