Fruit and Cheese Dressing For Your Turkey

Everyone has a favourite dressing for the fabulous Christmas Turkey that graces the table. This one is just a little different and is fabulous tasting. If you are in doubt, try it on a large chicken…well it is just a suggestion…..okay, I’m kidding!

• 2 leeks, cut in half, rinsed well and sliced
• 1 cup celery, ribs removed and thinly cut
• 1/2 cup butter
• pinch of pepper
• 1/8 tsp. dried cloves
• 8 cups dry bread crumbs
• 2 large firm pears, cored, sliced in wedges
• 1/2 cup crisp bacon, chopped
• 2 small oranges or 1 large, segmented using only the flesh
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large skillet, cook the leeks and celery in butter until tender (about 5-6 minutes). Stir in the pepper and cloves.

Put this in a large bowl and stir to mix together. Drizzle in the chicken broth and toss to combine. Stir in the cheese.

Grease a 3 quart casserole dish with butter and transfer the ingredients. Bake, covered for 50-55 minutes until cooked through.

**If you are using a 12-14 lb. turkey,  you can simply stuff the turkey and bake it.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.