Raisin-Studded Apple Stuffing

Name: Raisin-Studded Apple Stuffing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 18 cups.
Ingredients: 1 cup raisins; 1-1/2 cups orange juice, divided; 2 cups chopped celery; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 cup butter, cubed, divided; 1 pound bulk Italian sausage; 1 package (14 ounces) crushed herb-seasoned stuffing; 4 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped; 1 cup chopped pecans; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

This is the only stuffing my family will permit on our holiday table. With Italian sausage and a blend of so many great flavors, it's almost a meal in itself. No wonder it won first prize in a local recipe contest! —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois

Ingredients

1 cup raisins
1-1/2 cups orange juice, divided
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup butter, cubed, divided
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 package (14 ounces) crushed herb-seasoned stuffing
4 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a saucepan, bring raisins and 1 cup orange juice to a boil. Remove from the heat; set aside (do not drain). In a skillet, saute celery and onion in 1/2 cup butter until tender. Transfer to a large bowl. In the same skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the sausage, stuffing, apples, pecans, remaining orange juice and reserved raisins to celery mixture. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter; add broth, thyme and pepper. Pour over stuffing mixture; mix well. Place in two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Cover and bake at 325° for 1 hour. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 318 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

Originally published as Raisin-Studded Apple Stuffing in Country Woman Christmas 2000

Reviews

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thin4life

Apr 1, 2012

I have made this recipe many times, it is to die for! I highly recommend it!
thin4life

Dec 1, 2009

The stuffing is to die for. I have been making it for several year and my family just loves it. I would highly recommend this recipe!