CHESTNUT, LEEK, AND APPLE STUFFING

Chestnut, Leek, and Apple Stuffing image

Provided by Shelley Wiseman

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups (1/2-inch) white bread cubes (preferably from a pullman loaf; crust discarded)
3 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 stick unsalted butter
2 celery ribs, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 cups bottled peeled roasted chestnuts (14 to 16 ounces), halved
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Bake bread cubes in a large 4-sided sheet pan in upper third of oven until dried slightly, about 15 minutes. (Alternatively, leave out to dry at room temperature 8 to 24 hours.)
Increase oven temperature to 450°F.
Meanwhile, wash leeks.
Melt butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, then cook leeks and celery, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add thyme, apples, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and toss with bread, chestnuts, cream, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread in a 2 1/2-to 3-quart shallow baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, in lower third of oven until heated through and top is golden, about 30 minutes.