Apple, Bacon and Chestnut Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb double smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch
• (5 mm) strips 250 g
• 4 cups diced onion 1 L
• 3 cups diced celery 750 mL
• 2 cups diced mushrooms 500 mL
• 4 Ontario apples*, cored and diced 4
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 15 mL
• 1 tsp dried rubbed sage 5 mL
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper 2 mL
• 2 cups coarsely chopped water chestnuts 500 mL
• 8 cups cubed whole wheat bread 2 L
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 500 mL

Instructions

1. In large skillet, cook bacon over medium high heat until brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to large bowl. Pour off all but 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the drippings from skillet. Add onions and celery, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until celery is tender and onion is golden and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add mushrooms and apples and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add to bowl with cooked bacon. Sprinkle with thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Stir in chestnuts and cubed bread until well combined. Drizzle in broth, stirring, until well moistened.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange stuffing in a greased 13 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Cover with buttered foil and bake in preheated oven until heated through, about 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is slightly crisp and golden, about 15 minutes.

Notes