Crisp Sausage Cakes with Red Wine Prunes

Contributed by Melissa Clark

In a small saucepan, combine the wine with the 5 thyme sprigs and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Simmer over moderate heat for 4 minutes. Add the prunes and cook until syrupy, about 6 minutes longer. Discard the thyme sprigs and let the syrup cool.
In a large bowl, mix the sausage with the garlic, basil, sage and a large pinch of pepper; knead until combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch patties.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the sausage patties and cook over moderate heat until cooked through and well browned on both sides, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Arrange the sausage patties on a platter and top each with a piece of prune. Skewer with toothpicks, garnish the platter with thyme sprigs and serve.