SOURDOUGH, APPLE AND ALMOND DRESSING

Sourdough, Apple and Almond Dressing image

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 pounds sourdough bread, crust trimmed, bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 12 cups)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
8 bacon slices, chopped
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 large Gala or Fuji apples, peeled, cored, chopped (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups almonds, toasted, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 3/4 cups (about) chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bread cubes in large roasting pan until crisp, about 20 minutes. Transfer to very large bowl.
Butter 3-quart baking dish. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon; sauté until golden, about 8 minutes. Add onions and celery; sauté until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add apples; sauté 2 minutes. Add mixture to bread. Add nuts and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead; chill.)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix eggs into dressing. Add enough stock to moisten. Spoon into baking dish. Cover; bake 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until top is crisp, about 20 minutes longer.