Turkey with Country Ham Stuffing

Name: Turkey with Country Ham Stuffing
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 10-12 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed day-old white bread, crust removed; 3 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread, crust removed; 1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 3 cups chopped onion; 2 cups chopped celery; 1-1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage; 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 to 1-1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

As delicious as this is right out of the oven, the bird and stuffing both taste great as leftovers, too. I am careful, though, not to overcook the turkey.

Ingredients

3 cups cubed day-old white bread, crust removed
3 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread, crust removed
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup butter, cubed
3 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
1-1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 to 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

Directions

Place bread cubes in a single layer in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Place in a large bowl; set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ham in butter for 5-10 minutes or until edges are crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and place over bread cubes.
In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, sage, thyme and pepper until vegetables are tender; toss with bread and ham. Stir in enough broth to moisten.
Just before baking, stuff the turkey. Skewer openings; tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake at 325° for 4-1/2 to 5 hours or until the thermometer reads 185°.
When the turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil and baste if needed. Cover turkey and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving turkey.