Pear Chestnut And Sage Dressing Stuffing

I found this recipe in the wine spectator, and ever since have given up making my old standby which was apple, pecan and sausage stuffing. I normally make this outside the turkey (or chicken) but since there are no eggs, it is probably safe use to as a stuffing. It is great leftover for sandwiches and i always make extra! This version uses less butter than the original. It is important to use fresh chestnuts, if you can. Water chestnuts change the taste, and chestnuts from a jar just don't hold up well.

Steps

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Saute the onion , carrot and celery over low heat in butter until soft , about 8 minutes.

Combine the pears , chestnuts , sausage , herbs and bread in a large bowl.

Add the sauteed vegetables and butter to the bowl.

Lightly toss.

Add enough stock to lightly moisten the bread without allowing it to become soggy.

Handle the dressing gently when mixing.

Season to taste with the salt and pepper , being especially generous with the black pepper.

Spoon the dressing into a buttered 9x13 baking pan and cover with foil.

Bake for about 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the temperature of the dressing reaches 160 degrees.

Serve immediately.

Ingredients

onion, carrot, celery, butter, bosc pears, fresh chestnuts, breakfast sausage, fresh parsley, fresh sage leaf, country bread, turkey broth, salt and black pepper