Ontario Apple, Bacon and Chestnut Stuffing
An always-popular rustic side dish, this stuffing reaches new heights with fresh Ontario apples, double smoked bacon and Asian water chestnuts.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Variety Tip: For best results, use Ontario Empire, Cortland, Northern Spy, McIntosh, Crispin, or Idared apples.
Ingredients
| 1/2 lb | double smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch (5 mm) strips | 250 g |
| 4 cups | diced onion | 1 L |
| 3 cups | diced celery | 750 mL |
| 2 cups | diced Mushrooms | 500 mL |
| 4 | Ontario apples, cored and diced | 4 |
| 1 tbsp | chopped fresh thyme | 15 mL |
| 1 tsp | dried rubbed sage | 5 mL |
| 1/2 tsp | each salt and pepper | 2 mL |
| 2 cups | coarsely chopped water chestnuts | 500 mL |
| 8 cups | cubed whole wheat bread | 2 L |
| 2 cups | reduced-sodium chicken broth | 500 mL |
Directions
Before you begin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In large skillet, cook bacon over medium high heat until brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to large bowl. Pour off all but 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the drippings from skillet. Add onions and celery, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until celery is tender and onion is golden and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add mushrooms and apples and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add to bowl with cooked bacon. Sprinkle with thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Stir in chestnuts and cubed bread until well combined. Drizzle in broth, stirring, until well moistened.
Arrange stuffing in a greased 13 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Cover with buttered foil and bake in preheated oven until heated through, about 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is slightly crisp and golden, about 15 minutes.
print
