Wild Rice, Apple and Hazelnut Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 4 cups bread or stuffing cubes
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 large granny smith apple, cored and diced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup nuts, chopped (hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans)

Directions

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, cook wild rice with 1 cup of water.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 400°F.

3. 3

   Heat butter or oil in a large pan. Saute onion, celery and carrot over medium heat until tender.

4. 4

   Add apples, stock, black pepper, herbs and salt and bring to a simmer.

5. 5

   Take pan off heat and stir in bread crumbs and wild rice.

6. 6

   Scrape stuffing into a 2 quart casserole and top with chopped nuts, pressing mixture down.

7. 7

   Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until top is golden brown.