Wild Mushroom Stuffing

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Mushrooms are like sponges in that they absorb water. To clean, brush them with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush. The bristles remove the dirt without damaging delicate mushrooms,."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1⁄2 lbs mixed fresh mushrooms, tough stems removed, mushrooms cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 medum onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 5 cups chicken stock or 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb peasant bread, 1/2-inch dice, and toasted until dry (1 loaf)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1⁄4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs, beaten

directions

1. In a large nonreactive skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of the butter. Add the mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned.
2. Stir in the shallots, garlic, celery, onion, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the thyme. Cook until all the vegetables are softened slightly.
3. Stir in the wine and simmer until almost evaporated. Add 2 cups of the chicken stock and simmer over moderate heat until the liquid reduces and thickens, about 13 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
4. Add the toasted bread to the bowl along with the remaining 3 cups stock and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Stir in the cream and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the eggs and mix well. Spoon the stuffing into a buttered 9x13 glass or ceramic baking dish and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
5. Preheat the oven to 350F . Cover the stuffing with foil and bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 30 minutes longer, or until the top is golden and crisp and the stuffing is firm. Let rest for a least 15 minutes before serving.
6. Make Ahead: The stuuffing can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.