Wholesome Apple-Hazelnut Stuffing

Name: Wholesome Apple-Hazelnut Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 cups.
Ingredients: 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small carrot, shredded; 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes; 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread; 1-1/2 cups shredded peeled tart apples (about 2 medium); 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice; 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

“Try this whole grain, fruit and nut stuffing for a delicious new slant on holiday stuffing. Herbs balance the sweetness of the apples and give this dish a wonderful flavor. -Donna Noel of Gray, Maine

Ingredients

2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small carrot, shredded
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread
1-1/2 cups shredded peeled tart apples (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, saute celery and onion in oil for 4 minutes. Add the carrot, parsley and rosemary; saute 2-4 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture, bread cubes, apples and hazelnuts. In a small bowl, combine the egg, cider, pepper and salt. Add to stuffing mixture and mix well.
Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 159 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.

Originally published as Baked Apple and Hazelnut Stuffing in Light & Tasty October/November 2007