TURKEY WITH COUNTRY HAM STUFFING

Steps:

• Place bread cubes in a single layer in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Place in a large bowl set aside. In a large skillet, cook ham in butter for 5-10 minutes or until edges are crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and place over bread cubes. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery, sage, thyme and pepper until vegetables are tender toss with bread and ham. Stir in enough broth to moisten. Just before baking, stuff the turkey. Skewer openings tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake at 325° for 4-1/2 to 5 hours or until the thermometer reads 185°. When the turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil and baste if needed. Remove all stuffing. Editor's Note: Stuffing may be baked in a greased 3-qt. covered baking dish at 325° for 70 minutes (uncover for the last 10 minutes). Stuffing yields about 10 cups.© Copyright Reiman Publications, 1993-1997