Apple and Herb Turkey Stuffing
Looking for a traditional stuffing with a little kick to it? This Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing has all the favorites like sage, onion, and celery, but adds a little surprise of apples and raisins for a touch of something special. Your family will appreciate the little extra you put into your new favorite stuffing this year.
3/4 C butter, cubed
1 1/2 C celery, chopped
3/4 C onion, chopped
9 C day old whole wheat bread, cubed
3 C apples, chopped fine
3/4 C raisins
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. sage
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (14 lb.) whole turkey, thawed
1 C butter, melted
Place the cubed butter in a Dutch oven pan over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted add the celery and onion.
Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bread cubes.
Add the apples and raisins and continue stirring to incorporate.
Sprinkle in the salt, thyme, sage and pepper.
Clean and prepare the turkey being sure to remove the neck and giblets.
Stuff the turkey with 4 C of the prepared stuffing.
Brush a rack with some of the melted butter and place it in a shallow roasting pan.
Place the turkey breast side up on the rack in the pan and tie the legs together with twine.
Use the remaining melted butter to brush the entire turkey.
Bring the oven temperature up to 325 degrees.
Bake the turkey, uncovered, 4 hours being sure to baste every 30 minutes with the pan drippings.
If the turkey begins to over brown cover it loosely with a foil tent.
Remove the turkey from the oven and all it to rest 30 minutes before carving.
Serves 14
The stuffing may be baked outside of the turkey. Place the stuffing in a 3 qt casserole dish and cover. Place it in a preheated 325 degree oven for 30 minutes remove the foil and continue baking 10 minutes or until lightly browned.