Nif's Anytime Crock Pot Stuffing

This is an amazing stuffing that I make for every family gathering. We had it for New Year's Day dinner with roast pork and of course with turkey for Christmas! If you like stuffing, you can make this any time and your guests will be very surprised that it wasn't stuffed in a bird in the oven! Feel free to use different breads (whole grain adds a great texture even if you don't typically like whole grain bread) and/or play with the seasonings. You don't have to use the full amount of butter but it does add a lot of flavour. Make it your own and enjoy!

• Ready In: 3 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 cups

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 1  medium  white onion, chopped
• 2  celery ribs, finely sliced
• 2  small granny smith apples, chopped
• 2  tablespoons poultry seasoning
• 1  tablespoon dried parsley (or about 1/4 cup chopped fresh)
• 2  French baguettes, whole grain, cubed and toasted as mentioned below
• 2  cups  chicken stock, good quality (You can use turkey stock too. I am not a vegetarian but you can use vegetable )

Directions

1. Cut baguettes into 1 inch slices. Quarter each slice. Place half the cubes on large cookie sheet and spray with olive oil, if available. Toast cubes for more texture. TO TOAST - Place croutons under broiler for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, watching constantly, until lightly toasted. Flip croutons over and repeat for half the time on the other side.
2. In the meantime, melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add onion, celery and apple. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. Onions should be translucent.
3. Stir in poultry seasoning and parsley until everything is evenly coated.
4. Toss cubes and sauteed mixture together in the crockpot.
5. Pour stock on top and toss again. Cover.
6. Heat in crockpot on low for 3 hours. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if you prefer a softer stuffing.
7. Enjoy!