Harvest Apple Cranberry and Sage Sausage Stuffing

Add chopped pecans to a dry small skillet and toast over LOW heat. Set aside.Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking sheet (or two medium sized ones) with parchment paper. Spread cubed French bread out on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or so, until toasted. You're looking for a super light golden brown color.Add bread to a large mixing bowl and set aside.Heat bacon grease or a small drizzle of oil in a skillet over MED heat. Add sausage and cook until cooked through and lightly browned. Be sure to break up the meat with a potato masher to get fine crumbles.Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and add it to the bowl with the toasted bread. Also add in the cranberries and diced apples.Drain all but a few tablespoons of the bacon and sausage drippings and add in the onions. Saute until soft and translucent, add in herbs and stir to combine.Cook another 2 minutes.Transfer the onion mixture to the large mixing bowl.Carefully pour in the wine, being sure to use your wooden spoon to get all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the wine for 1 minute.Add in butter and chicken stock and cook for 3 minutes.Pour sauce into large mixing bowl, toss to combine.Add lightly beaten eggs and toss to combine again.Butter or grease a 9x13" baking pan and pour in the stuffing.Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve.