WILD RICE, CRANBERRY AND PECAN DRESSING

Steps:

• Put water and sugar in medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Heat to simmer, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
• Add cranberries and cook just until all the cranberries are popped, about 3 minutes.
• Do not overcook; you want the cranberries to stay relatively whole.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a medium-size bowl, leaving the cranberry syrup in the saucepan.
• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes.
• Add wild rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Add stock, salt, thyme and pepper.
• Heat to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until rice is tender but pleasantly chewy, about 45 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes.
• Drain the wild rice of excess cooking liquid, if necessary.
• Add the wild rice mixture and the toasted pecans to the cranberries.
• Toss to mix well.
• Use as a turkey stuffing or bake separately.
• To bake separately, heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place in a buttered 13x9 inch baking dish.
• Bake, covered, until heated through, 30 to 40 minutes.