- 8
Ingredients
- 8 SERVINGS
- Anyone who swears by wet stuffing is likely to sidle over to the dry camp after a taste of this Thanksgiving classic.
- 6 cups (1/2-inch) white bread cubes (preferably from a pullman loaf; crust discarded)
- 3 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 celery ribs, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 cups bottled peeled roasted chestnuts (14 to 16 oz), halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Beneath a crunchy crust is an amalgam of yielding bread, meaty chestnuts, and softened celery, apple, and leeks.
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
Bake bread cubes in a large 4-sided sheet pan in upper third of oven until dried slightly, about 15 minutes. (Alternatively, leave out to dry at room temperature 8 to 24 hours.)
Increase oven temperature to 450F.
Meanwhile, wash leeks.Melt butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, then cook leeks and celery, covered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
Add thyme, apples, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender, about 5 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl and toss with bread, chestnuts, cream, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread in a 2 1/2-to 3-quart shallow baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, in lower third of oven until heated through and top is golden, about 30 minutes.
COOKS NOTE: Stuffing can be assembled (but not baked) 1 day ahead and chilled (covered once cool). Bring to room temperature before baking.