Cheddar Grits with Cinnamon Apples and Crispy Turkey Sausage

Ingredients

• 8 ounces turkey sausage
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Louisiana
• 5 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup 1% milk, plus more as needed