Pear, Prosciutto, and Hazelnut Stuffing

By barbgreenfield

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• U.S. Metric Conversion chart
• 4 ounce(s) prosciutto, thinly sliced, cut into ribbons
• 2 cup(s) onion, chopped
• 2 cup(s) diced fennel bulb
• 1/4 cup(s) minced shallot
• 2 teaspoon(s) minced fresh sage
• 2 teaspoon(s) minced fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon(s) minced fresh rosemary
• 8 cup(s) stale baguette, preferably multi-grain (not sourdough), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 Bosc pears, ripe but firm, chopped
• 1/3 cup(s) chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/3 cup(s) chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• 1 can(s) (14 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto; cook, stirring, until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
Wipe out the pan and heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, fennel and shallot and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add sage, thyme and rosemary and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Transfer everything to a large bowl and gently stir in bread, pears, parsley, hazelnuts and the prosciutto. Add broth; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish; cover with foil.
Bake for 40 minutes; remove the foil and bake until the top is beginning to crisp, 25 to 30 minutes more.
To toast chopped nuts & seeds: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Ingredient note: If you don't have stale bread ready to use, spread the baguette cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 250°F until crisped and dry, about 15 minutes.