PEAR, CHESTNUT AND SAGE DRESSING/STUFFING

Pear, Chestnut and Sage Dressing/Stuffing image

Provided by Simply Chris

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large onion, finely diced
1 large carrot, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 lb butter, melted
2 bosc pears, peeled and diced
1 cup fresh chestnuts, peeled and chopped
8 ounces breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped,to taste
1/2 cup fresh sage leaf, chopped
8 cups rustic country bread, 1/2 inch dice (I use whole wheat bread)
3 -4 cups turkey broth or 3 -4 cups chicken stock
salt and black pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Saute the onion, carrot and celery over low heat in butter until soft, about 8 minutes.
Combine the pears, chestnuts, sausage, herbs and bread in a large bowl.
Add the sauteed vegetables and butter to the bowl.
Lightly toss.
Add enough stock (a little at a time) to lightly moisten the bread without allowing it to become soggy.
Handle the dressing gently when mixing.
Season to taste with the salt and pepper, being especially generous with the black pepper.
Spoon the dressing into a buttered 9x13 baking pan and cover with foil.
Bake for about 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the temperature of the dressing reaches 160 degrees.
Serve immediately.