1 slice whole wheat bread, toasted, crushed to fine crumbs in food processor

1 lb ground pork

1/2 cup finely chopped tart-sweet apple (Pink Lady or Honeycrisp)

2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves

3/4 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 egg

1 shallot, finely chopped

1/4 cup apple butter

1/4 cup real maple syrup