Shelly's Recipe

APPLE-ALMOND STUFFED TURKEY

Category: Turkey

1 loaf sliced bread (1 lb)
3 mediumonions, chopped
3 mediumtart apples, chopped
1 1/2 cups diced fully cooked ham
1 cup sliced celery
1 tbsp dried savory
2 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp fennel seed, crushed
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup turkey or chicken broth
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup apple juice
1 turkey (14-16 lbs)

Cut bread into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a single layer on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 225 for 30-40 minutes, tossing occasionally until partially dried.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, sauté the next 10 ingredients in butter until onions and apples are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the bread cubes, almonds, broth, currants and juice; toss well. Just before baking, stuff the turkey. Skewer openings; tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered, at 325 for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 185. When turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with foil and baste if needed.
Yield: 12 servings (12 cups stuffing).

Note: Stuffing may be baked separately in a greased 3 quart baking dish. Cover and bake at 325 for 60 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes more.