sondray

Winter Fruit Dressing

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 stalk celery, sliced (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup chopped onion
6 cups cubed whole grain bread (1/2 in cubes)
2 cups chopped mixed dried fruit (apples, apricots, cranberries, raisins)
1 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Instructions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender crisp. In large mixing bowl, combine celery mixture, bread cubes and dried fruit. Stir in enough broth to just moisten mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Spray casserole with non stick vegetable cooking spray. Spoon dressing into casserole. Cover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until heated through. Makes 6 - 8 servings.

Hint: For a crisper top on dressing, uncover during last 15 minutes of baking.