Nat’s Dried Cherry Stuffing

Ingredients

¼ c. butter/margarine (1/2 stick), softened

1 c. chopped onion

2/3 c. celery

2 ½ c. cored, peeled, chopped apples (3-4 apples)

¼ c. brown sugar

1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, drained, coarsely chopped

1 ½  c. chopped pecan halves

1 c. orange juice (8 oz)

1 c. The Chery Stop Dried Montmorency or Balaton Cherries

1 t. salt

1 t. dried parsley

¼ t. thyme

¼ t. dried rosemary, crushed

7 c. herbed season stuffing croutons

Instructions:

1. Melt butter/margarine in large skillet.  
2. Add onions, celery, apples and cook, stirring frequently, until almost tender.
3.  Remove from heat & place in heat proof mixing bowl.  
4. Add all other ingredients except croutons & mix well.  
5. Add croutons all at once, mixing until evenly moistened.  
6. Pour into casserole dish & bake, tightly covered, at 350 for 20 minutes.  
7. Uncover, & bake additional 10 minutes to brown.  
8. You may also stuff into a turkey and bake as you would any other stuffing.

Gail was inspired to make this stuffing by her Godmother Natalie, who was known for her wonderful cookie recipes and Swedish hospitality. 

Variation: You can also add dried cranberries and/or dried bluenerries.