Southern Pecan and Wild Rice Dressing

DIRECTIONS

• In a large skillet fry bacon until crisp.
• Add chopped smoked ham and cook for 2 minutes.
• Remove ham and bacon and cool. Drain drippings.
• Melt butter and saute onion, and celery for about 4 minutes.
• Season with garlic, salt and pepper and cook until the garlic is fragrant for about 1 minute.
• Stir in pecans and cook until heated through and fragrant.
• Add rice and apples and stir to coat with the juices for about 1 minute.
• Add water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
• Stir in reserved ham and bacon, green onions, and parsley.
• Allow dish to sit for about 15 minutes before serving so that flavors can meld.