Syd's Very Own Raisin Dressing

When I was growing up my mom used to make a very moist stuffing for the winter holidays, & I really never liked it very much, as it was way, way too moist. So, in time, I came up with my own much dryer dressing, & although one can stuff a bird with it, I don't. The 'stuffing' can be made more moist by adding a little apple juice to it, OR you can actually stuff the darn bird & it'll naturally be more moist! Originally I used a great-tasting cracked wheat bread for the cubes, but I've changed to Oroweat Master's Best Winter Wheat Premium Bread. I usually double the recipe, 'cause I like the left-over dressing! Preparation time does NOT include the time needed to dry the bread cubes.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 7 -8  slices  winter wheat  bread, frozen (include crust & heel)
• 1  large onion, finely chopped
• 5  tablespoons unsalted butter or 5  tablespoons margarine, divided
• 1  cup dark raisin
• 1 1⁄4 cups celery, finely chopped
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 1⁄4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup  slivered almonds (or sliced)
• 3⁄4 cup tart apple, coarsely chopped
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F & either butter a 2 1/2 quart casserole, or lightly butter one side of a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil large enough to fold in & seal the prepared dressing.
2. Cut frozen bread slices into small cubes, to make at least 4 cups of cubes.
3. Put bread cubes in large bowl & set aside.
4. In large frying pan, using 1 tablespoon of butter, saute onion until transparent.
5. Add rest of butter & let it melt. Remove from heat.
6. Add raisins, celery, thyme, marjoram, parsley, almonds & chopped apples to frying pan & blend with onion mixture.
7. Add mixture from frying pan to bread cubes, & mix well.
8. Either place prepared dressing in casserole & cover, OR place onto sheet of foil & seal.
9. Bake 40-50 minutes [or 30 minutes at 350 degrees F, if baking along with another dish that needs that temperature setting].