She Strengthens

Fall Flavors Unite: A Moist and Crispy Stuffing Recipe

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, the stuffing is often the unsung hero of the table. But what if you could create a dish that combines the best flavors of fall without overpowering the other dishes? Look no further than this moist and crispy stuffing recipe, featuring a delightful mix of chestnuts, bread, and apples.

The Problem with Traditional Stuffing

We’ve all been there – excited to dig into a perfectly roasted turkey, only to be disappointed by a dry, flavorless stuffing. The culprit? Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey, which can result in an undercooked, sawdust-tasting mess. By cooking the stuffing separately, you can ensure a deliciously moist interior and a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

A Game-Changing Recipe

This easy-to-make recipe yields 8 servings and can be prepared in just 45 minutes. With a total active time of 15 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to focus on other dishes.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1/4 cup duck fat or unsalted butter
• 6 slices pumpernickel or dark rye bread
• 6 slices wheat bread
• 5 sweet Italian sausages
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1/4 cup torn fresh sage leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup coarsely chopped steamed or roasted chestnuts
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring It All Together

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with duck fat or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bread and set aside.
3. In a large frying pan, cook the sausage over medium heat until lightly browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add the onion and sage to the pan, cooking until the onion is soft and golden.
5. Stir in the thyme, parsley, celery, celery seed (if using), apples, and chestnuts, cooking until the apples are golden.
6. Add the chicken broth to the pan, bringing it to a simmer.
7. Remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture over the diced bread, tossing well to incorporate.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a deliciously moist and crispy stuffing that’s sure to become a new family tradition.