Apricot Almond Stuffing

NorthwestGal's Note:

I have been in search of a good stuffing recipe that could be served any day of the week but does not taste similar to the usual bread/sage Thanksgiving stuffing. After trying several different stuffing recipes, I began to adjust ingredients and to try several new ingredients that I thought would enhance the flavor. I eventually came up with this apricot almond stuffing. It's very tasty with a unique flavor all it's own....perfect for any day of the week, or for that special side dish when company is over, whether you're serving beef or pasta or poultry as the main course. And this is just such a tasty stuffing that I know it's just a matter of time before I eventually replace my traditional bread/sage stuffing at our annual Thanksgiving Dinner with this Apricot Almond Stuffing. (I don't want to invoke an impromptu riot within my family by venturing away from my family's traditional Thanksgiving menu, so I'll preserve family tradiition by offering Grandma's Homemade Stuffing every Thanksgiving for the sake of family peace...at least for the time being.) You can use this to stuff any bird, too. I prefer chicken, but I assume it would go well with turkey or even game hens as well. I hope you like it.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 6 croissants , torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion , chopped finely
• 2⁄3; cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon tarragon
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• ¾ cup dried apricot , quartered
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ¼ cup butter , melted
• 1 tablespoon apricot preserves or 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place torn croissant pieces, chopped onion, sliced almonds, tarragon, thyme, parsley, quartered apricot bits, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, apricot preserves (or jam), and half of the chicken broth; stir until blended. Pour the broth mixture over the stuffing mixture.
4. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to toss the stuffing mixture until all the ingredients are well blended. Use as much of the remaining broth--adding a little at a time--as is needed to get the stuffing thoroughly moist (but not saturated or "soupy"). I usually use nearly all of the 2 cups of broth, with maybe 1/8 cup or so not used (I've never really measured the unused portion).
5. Place stuffing in a 10x10-inch baking dish, cover, and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
6. NOTE - I don't usually grease my pyrex casserole dish for this stuffing, and I have never had a problem with the stuffing sticking to the edges or bottom, and the clean-up is very easy (no crusty pieces stuck to the dish). But, depending on what type of dish you use to roast the stuffing, you might want to first lightly butter your baking dish or lightly coat it with a no-stick cooking spray.
7. TIP - Take advantage of sales, and buy day-old croissants at a reduced price when you plan to make this dish. They will be well moistened with the buttery broth, so it won't matter if they are a bit dry.

Reviews

[geckointhesun]

This was a great accompaniment to the Christmas Turkey. I replaced the almonds with chopped cashews (easier to get in Belize) and the tarragon for some fresh coriander. Yummy.

[Kitzy]

My goodness, this is delicious. Very easy to make and oh so tasty. Thanks!

[Sydney Mike]

For the most part, I stuck to this recipe, but since I don't really like a very moist dressing, I did cut back on the chicken broth & used just half a cup! I lightly buttered most of a large sheet of heavy duty foil, arranged the dressing in the middle & sealed it before baking it in the oven! I like that particular arrangement, because then my oven will also accomodate a baking pan for chicken or whatever! The final result here was AN EXTREMELY TASTY DRESSING & one I'd be happy to make again! Thanks for sharing the recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed in Please Review My Recipe]