Apple, Sage & Fennel Breakfast Sausage

Heat the oven to 200°F. In a 10-inch skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the oil over medium heat. Add the apples and the scallion whites. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and just begin to brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the apple mixture with the pork, scallion greens, sage, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until well combined, but don't compact the mixture. Gently shape into 16 patties, about 3 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick.

In a 12-inch heavy skillet, heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil over medium-low to medium heat. Cook the sausages (in three batches so they're not crowded) until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Add more oil only if needed after each batch, and adjust the heat to prevent overbrowning. Keep the sausages warm on a baking sheet in the oven, covered with foil.