Turkey with Apple Stuffing

By á-2710

A classic holiday roast turkey stuffed with a savory, sweet apple stuffing flavored with thyme, sage, and raisins.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed
• 9 cups day-old whole wheat bread, cubed
• 3 cups apples, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 turkey (14 to 16-pounds)
• Additional butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

In a Dutch oven, sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. Remove from the heat; stir in the bread cubes, apples, raisins, salt, thyme, sage and pepper.

Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey with 4 cups stuffing. Place remaining stuffing in a greased 2-quart baking dish; refrigerate until ready to bake. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter.

Bake, uncovered, at 325°F for 3 3/4 to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180°F for the turkey and 165°F for the stuffing, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.)

Bake additional stuffing, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cover turkey and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.

If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Editor’s Note: Stuffing may be prepared as directed and baked separately in a greased 3-quart baking dish. Cover and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned.