Best 15 Dried Fruit And Toasted Nut Stuffing Recipes

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In the culinary world, stuffing is a delectable dish prepared by filling a cavity, typically of poultry or vegetables, with a flavorful mixture of ingredients. This flavorful combination adds a delightful dimension to the main course and elevates the overall dining experience. Discover a collection of stuffing recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Embark on a culinary adventure as you explore the tantalizing flavors of dried fruit and toasted nut stuffing, the comforting goodness of cornbread dressing, the zesty kick of Mexican chorizo stuffing, and the unique blend of flavors in wild rice stuffing. Each recipe offers a distinct twist on this classic dish, promising to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MULTIGRAIN STUFFING WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT



Multigrain Stuffing With Nuts and Dried Fruit image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

9 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
2 medium onions, diced
2 medium firm cooking apples (such as Cortland), chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup dried cranberries
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 large eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
16 cups stale multigrain bread cubes

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, apples and thyme, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried blueberries and dried cranberries. Add the broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread, then pour in the broth mixture and toss.
  • Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 more minutes.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 23

12 whole pitted prunes, halved
12 dried apricots, halved
1 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
1/4 cup bourbon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart cooking apples, unpeeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup walnut pieces
2/3 cup whole macadamia nuts, unsalted
2/3 cup whole cashews, unsalted
4 slices (1-inch) day-old brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup low-sodium canned chicken broth
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Place prunes, apricots, raisins, and currants in a medium bowl; pour bourbon over fruit. Cover with plastic wrap, and soak overnight.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over moderate heat; add apples, onions, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and celery is tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add nuts. Toast them, stirring constantly, until golden.
  • Transfer sauteed onion mixture to a large bowl. Add brioche and broth; mix until incorporated. Add macerated fruit, toasted nuts, cranberries, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, parsley, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Using 2 large spoons or your hands, gently mix stuffing until evenly blended. Set aside while turkey is prepared for roasting.

HERB STUFFING WITH DRIED FRUIT



Herb Stuffing with Dried Fruit image

This bread stuffing with mixed dried fruit, sage, thyme and parsley makes a great accompaniment for roast turkey.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h

Yield 8-10

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering the baking dish
One 1-pound loaf sliced white sandwich bread
3/4 cup mixed chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries and figs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
1 large apple, such as Golden Delicious, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Cut or tear the bread into bite-size pieces. Divide between 2 rimmed baking sheets and spread into a single layer. Bake until slightly dry and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried fruit, sage, thyme, apple, onion, celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and parsley and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and pour into a large bowl.
  • Add the toasted bread to the onion mixture and toss until evenly moistened. Stir in the egg. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and evenly spread without packing the stuffing down too much. Bake until the top is crusty, about 40 minutes. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over the top. Continue to bake until the top is crisp and golden, about 20 minutes more. Garnish with parsley and thyme.

FRUIT-AND-NUT CORNBREAD STUFFING



Fruit-and-Nut Cornbread Stuffing image

To make this stuffing gluten-free, use our cornbread recipe at foodnetwork.com/gfcornbread.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 Gala or Golden Delicious apple, peeled and chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
14 cups cubed cornbread (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as golden raisins, apricots and/or cranberries), chopped if large
4 to 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 1 stick butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, apple, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and sage and cook until softened, about 3 more minutes.
  • Put the cornbread in a large bowl and add the vegetable-apple mixture. Add the pecans and dried fruit; toss to combine. Add 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup at a time, tossing after each addition. The cornbread should feel moist but not mushy; add 1 more cup broth ¼ cup at a time if needed. Melt the remaining 1/2 stick butter and stir into the stuffing.
  • Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Add the stuffing mixture and lightly press down. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until the top is dry and browned, about 30 more minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Categories     Herb     Vegetable     Side     Bake     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Fig     Apricot     Cherry     Fall     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

9 cups 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces French bread cubes without crust (from about 12 ounces bread)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
4 1/2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 1/4 cups dry Sherry
1 3/4 cups dried Mission figs (about 91/2 ounces), chopped
1 1/4 cups dried tart cherries (about 6 ounces)
1 1/4 cups dried apricots (about 6 ounces), chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1 1/4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
3 large eggs, beaten to blend

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Place bread cubes in very large bowl. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery to skillet; sauté until vegetables are tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Add Sherry, figs, cherries, apricots, sage, thyme and rosemary; cook until fruit is tender and liquid is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 7 minutes. Add to bread cubes; stir to blend. (Stuffing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Add stock to stuffing; season with salt and pepper. Mix in beaten eggs.
  • Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top begins to crisp, about 25 minutes longer.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering baking dish
4 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped into 1/4-inch cubes
2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
One 12-ounce bag cubed country-style stuffing
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
4 large eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the celery, apples and onions and cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, fennel, salt and pepper and cook for 1 more minute. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the skillet, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled mixture with the stuffing, apricots, cherries, pecans and beaten eggs and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake until golden brown on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

CRANBERRY-DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Cranberry-Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Make this for our Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Yield Makes about 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish and baking
1/2 loaf rustic white or Italian bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
9 dried pear halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
1/4 cup dried currants
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon minced, peeled ginger
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups seeded, coarsely chopped, cooked quinces from Quince Syrup
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Toss with bread cubes in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, tossing once, until golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Pour 1 cup boiling water over dried fruit in a bowl; stir to submerge. Set aside until fruit has softened, about 30 minutes. Drain; reserve soaking liquid.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, ginger, and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Add onion mixture to bread cubes. Return skillet to medium heat. Add Marsala, and cook, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until liquid bubbles. Pour over bread mixture. Stir in dried fruit, 1/2 cup soaking liquid, walnuts if using, quinces, and cranberries. Stir in spices and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Stir in eggs.
  • To cook stuffing in turkey: Stuff as directed (see Roast Turkey with Quince Glaze recipe). Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degrees oven until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. To bake all of the stuffing in the oven: Spoon it into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake as directed above.

WILD RICE, DRIED FRUIT AND TOASTED HAZELNUT STUFFING



Wild Rice, Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing image

Make and share this Wild Rice, Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Rice

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

5 tablespoons unsalted margarine
2 cups minced onions
1 pinch sugar
1 cup celery, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried apricot, diced
1/2 cup dried pear, , diced
1/2 cup dried apple, diced
2 cups wild rice, cooked until still firm
2 cups brown rice, cooked until still firm
2/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons sage, minced
2 teaspoons rosemary, minced
2 teaspoons thyme, minced
1/3 cup chives, snipped
1/4 cup parsley, minced
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons of the margarine over medium heat in a skillet.
  • Add onions and a pinch sugar and saute, stirring frequently, until onions caramelize, about 7 minutes.
  • Transfer onions to a large bowl.
  • Return skillet to heat and melt remaining 2 tablespoons margarine.
  • Add celery and garlic and cook until softened, 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to bowl with onions.
  • Add remaining ingredients to bowl and toss to mix.
  • Transfer stuffing to a greased (can use margarine or cooking spray) casserole, cover with foil and bake 1 hour.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit And Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Categories     side dish

Time 1h45m

Yield Enough for a 10-pound turkey

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups fresh chestnuts
1 cup dried apricots
1 1/4 cup plump raisins (3/4 cup sultanas and 1/2 cup regular variety)
1 cup minced yellow onions
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped, unpeeled apples (Granny Smith, Wolf River or any tart cooking apples)
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups croutons made of stale or toasted whole-wheat bread
Rind of one orange, minced
1 cup minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme, or more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
1 cup defatted stock made from turkey giblets
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Score the chestnuts and place them on a baking sheet in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they have opened and the tough outer shells have loosened. Then peel the chestnuts, being careful to remove the fuzzy inner membrane. If they are difficult to peel, return them to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. When all the chestnuts are peeled, blanch them in a small pan of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they start to soften. Drain immediately.
  • Place the apricots and raisins in separate bowls and cover them with boiling water. Set aside for at least 20 minutes.
  • Over low heat, gently saute the minced onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they are soft and just starting to change color; this will take about 25 minutes. Place the onions and garlic in a mixing bowl.
  • Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan along with the chopped apples. Turn the heat up to medium and stir continuously. When the apples brown along the edges and start to soften, transfer them to the bowl with the onions and garlic.
  • Chop the chestnuts coarsely and add them to the bowl. Drain the apricots and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then drain the raisins and put them and the apricots in the bowl. Add the celery, croutons, orange rind, parsley, thyme and pepper. Pour in half of the turkey stock, mix, then stir in the remaining stock. Taste and season with salt and more pepper or thyme if desired. Set aside until you are ready to stuff the turkey.

WINTER FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Winter Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Categories     Fruit     Nut     Side     Bake     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Prune     Pear     Apricot     Pecan     Fall     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter
2 large Anjou pears, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/2 cups Sauternes or other sweet white wine
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted prunes
1 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
14 cups 1/2-inch cubes crustless firm white bread (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pears; sprinkle with sugar. Sauté until pears are golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to very large bowl; mix in cinnamon. Melt remaining 10 tablespoons butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until golden, about 15 minutes. Add wine and next 5 ingredients. Simmer until liquid is reduced almost to glaze and mixture is soft and moist, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Mix into pears. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Reheat to lukewarm before continuing.)
  • Mix bread and pecans into fruit mixture. Season stuffing with salt and pepper.
  • To bake stuffing in turkey:
  • Loosely fill main cavity and neck cavity of turkey with stuffing. Generously butter baking dish. Spoon remaining stuffing into prepared dish. Cover dish with buttered foil, buttered side down. Bake stuffing in dish - alongside turkey or while turkey is resting - until heated through, about 25 minutes. Uncover stuffing in dish. Bake until top of stuffing is slightly crisp and golden, about 15 minutes longer.
  • To bake stuffing in dish:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Bake uncovered until heated through, about 35 minutes.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

I got this recipe off a morning show back in 1997 and it has been the stuffing of choice every Thanksgiving since. Will stuff a 16 to 18 lb. turkey.

Provided by Jo Coburn

Categories     Fruit

Time 1h30m

Yield 12-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup finely diced onion
1 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted chopped pecans
16 ounces unseasoned bread, cubes
1 cup white raisins
1 teaspoon sage leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram, leaves or 1 teaspoon ground marjoram
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Sauté onions and celery in butter until translucent and add to a large bowl with unseasoned bread cubes and toasted pecans.
  • If you need to toast your pecans you can do so over medium-low heat in a skillet.
  • Add the following ingredients to the bowl: cranberries, raisins, sage thyme and marjoram.
  • (You can add the chopped cooked giblets if you would like) Toss to blend and then add chicken broth to moisten and salt and pepper to taste.
  • You can cook separately at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes or cook inside the bird.
  • Cooking times will vary with size and shape of pan.
  • Add broth to maintain preferred moisture level of stuffing.

TURKEY WITH FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Turkey with Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Between Martha's beloved method for roasting turkey with wine- and butter-soaked cheesecloth, to the sweet and nutty stuffing, this Thanksgiving recipe does not skimp on flavor.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

One (12 to 14-pound) fresh whole turkey, giblets and neck reserved
2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks), melted, plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 bottle dry white wine
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
2 parsnips, coarsely chopped
2 ribs celery, coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Fruit and Nut Stuffing
2 cups Giblet Stock
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Rinse turkey with cool water and dry with paper towels. Let stand for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in lower third. Combine melted butter and white wine in a large bowl. Fold a large piece of cheesecloth into quarters and cut into a 17-inch, four-layer square. Immerse cheesecloth in butter and wine; let soak.
  • Add vegetables to a large, heavy roasting pan. Place a roasting rack over vegetables. Position turkey, breast-side up, on rack. If turkey comes with a pop-up timer, remove it; an instant-read thermometer is a more accurate indication of doneness. Fold wing tips under turkey. Season cavity with salt and pepper. Fill cavities loosely with as much stuffing as they will hold comfortably; do not pack tightly. (Cook remaining stuffing in a buttered baking dish at 375 degrees.) Truss turkey with kitchen string. Fold neck flap under and secure with toothpicks. Rub turkey with softened butter and season with salt and pepper.
  • Lift cheesecloth out of liquid and squeeze it slightly, leaving it very damp. Spread it evenly over breast and about halfway down sides of turkey; it can cover some of the leg area. Place turkey, legs first, in oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Using a pastry brush, baste cheesecloth and exposed parts of turkey with butter and wine. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.and continue to cook for 2 more hours, basting every 30 minutes and watching pan juices; if vegetables begin to darken, add a little chicken stock or water.
  • After these 2 1/2 hours of cooking, carefully remove and discard cheesecloth. Turn roasting pan so breast is facing back of oven. Baste turkey with pan juices. If there are not enough juices, continue to use butter and wine. The skin gets fragile as it browns, so baste carefully. Cook 30 to 60 more minutes, basting after 30 minutes.
  • After these three hours of cooking, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Do not poke into a bone. The temperature should reach 180 degrees.(stuffing should be between 140 degrees.and 160 degrees. and the turkey should be golden brown. The breast does not need to be checked for temperature. If legs are not yet fully cooked, baste turkey, return to oven, and cook another 20 to 30 minutes.
  • When fully cooked, transfer turkey to a serving platter and let rest for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make gravy. Strain pan juices into a fat separator, discarding vegetables. Let stand until fat rises to the surface, about 10 minutes, then skim it off. In a small jar, shake to combine, giblet stock and flour. Place roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add giblet stock mixture. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring back to a boil, and cook until liquid has thickened slightly. Add defatted pan juices and cook over medium-high heat until thickened to desired consistency. You will have about 2 cups of gravy. Season with salt and pepper. Strain into a gravy boat. Serve with turkey.

DRIED-FRUIT AND NUT CORNBREAD DRESSING



Dried-Fruit and Nut Cornbread Dressing image

Make and freeze the pecan- and dried fruit-studded cornbread up to a month in advance, and all you have to do on Thanksgiving is add a few more ingredients and bake.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 2h45m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups cornmeal (not stone-ground)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups well-shaken buttermilk
2 large eggs
Unsalted butter, for baking dish
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 bunch scallions, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cornbread:Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack in top third. Melt butter in an 8- or 9-inch-square baking dish in oven. Meanwhile, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pecans, raisins, and cranberries in a bowl. Whisk together buttermilk and eggs in a large bowl. Gradually whisk melted butter (set aside baking dish) into buttermilk mixture.
  • Whisk cornmeal mixture into buttermilk mixture until just combined, then pour into buttered dish. Bake cornbread until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Cornbread can be made 2 days ahead and stored at room temperature or frozen up to 1 month.
  • Dressing:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut cornbread into roughly 1-inch pieces and place on a rimmed baking sheet, along with any crumbs. Toast until golden, about 30 minutes.
  • Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, scallions, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Fold in toasted cornbread and transfer to baking dish. Bake until custard is set and top is browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Fruit and almonds give new life to a boxed stuffing mix in this flavorful recipe. - Taryn Kuebelbeck, Plymouth, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (6 ounces) stuffing mix
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pitted dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions, adding dried fruits when adding contents of stuffing mix. Just before serving, stir in almonds.

Nutrition Facts :

DRIED FRUIT AND TOASTED NUT STUFFING



Dried Fruit and Toasted Nut Stuffing image

This recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing comes from Anna Lappe, author of "Diet for a Hot Planet." Here, the interesting flavors and texture come from herbs, dried fruit, the nuts -- and the juiciness of all the onions.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 pound sourdough bread cut into 1-inch cubes (8 cups)
1/4 cup cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 cup dried figs, sliced crosswise
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup prepared chestnuts, chopped
1/4 cup assorted fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, and thyme, chopped
2 cups water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and let stand overnight, uncovered, at room temperature. (Alternatively, bake bread in a 300-degree oven until dry but not browned, about 15 minutes.)
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, carrot, and celery until tender and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer mixture to a large baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until top is golden brown and stuffing is firm, about 15 minutes more.
  • Serve with Mushroom Gravy (optional).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 771 g, Cholesterol 20 g, Fiber 12 g, Protein 15 g, Sodium 427 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of dried fruits and toasted nuts to create a flavorful and visually appealing stuffing.
  • Choose dried fruits that are plump and moist, and avoid any that are hard or shriveled.
  • Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and golden brown.
  • Use a combination of fresh herbs and spices to add flavor to the stuffing.
  • Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth or white wine to keep it from becoming dry.
  • Stuff the stuffing loosely into the turkey or chicken, as it will expand during cooking.
  • Roast the turkey or chicken according to the package directions, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey or chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion:

Dried fruit and toasted nut stuffing is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. With its combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a festive and flavorful stuffing recipe, give this one a try.

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