Wild Rice, Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing

This is a very unique stuffing. Can be vegan if cooked separately from the bird.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 5  tablespoons unsalted margarine
• 2  cups  minced onions
• 1  pinch sugar
• 1  cup celery, minced
• 6  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  cup dried cranberries
• 1⁄2 cup  dried apricot, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  dried pear, , diced
• 1⁄2 cup  dried apple, diced
• 2  cups wild rice, cooked until still firm
• 2  cups brown rice, cooked until still firm
• 2⁄3 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• 2  teaspoons sage, minced
• 2  teaspoons rosemary, minced
• 2  teaspoons thyme, minced
• 1⁄3 cup chives, snipped
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, minced
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Melt 3 tablespoons of the margarine over medium heat in a skillet.
2. Add onions and a pinch sugar and saute, stirring frequently, until onions caramelize, about 7 minutes.
3. Transfer onions to a large bowl.
4. Return skillet to heat and melt remaining 2 tablespoons margarine.
5. Add celery and garlic and cook until softened, 5 minutes.
6. Transfer to bowl with onions.
7. Add remaining ingredients to bowl and toss to mix.
8. Transfer stuffing to a greased (can use margarine or cooking spray) casserole, cover with foil and bake 1 hour.