Go Smart with California Walnuts Smart Menus Program: Delicious, convenient recipes aimed at changing the way Americans eat, brought to you by best-selling author and Oprah regular Dr. Michael Roizen and James Beard award-winning cookbook author Mollie Katzen. Smart Menus is designed to help people embrace a smart eating style that’s long on taste and convenience and short on scolding. Smart recipes and tips on how to create your own smart eating style are available at www.walnuts.org/smartmenus.

Makes 6 Cups of Dressing/Stuffing

Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 350ºF oven until cubes are lightly golden and toasted, about 10 minutes. Let cool.

In a large, deep skillet brown sausage over medium high heat, breaking into small pieces until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. In same skillet, heat oil over medium high heat; add onions, fennel, salt and pepper. Cook until onions are tender, but not browned, about 7 minutes. Add apples and wine, stirring until most of the liquid had been absorbed. Stir in bread, sausage, walnuts, sage, savory and parsley. Add chicken stock and stir to combine.

Transfer stuffing to a buttered baking dish, cover with foil and Bake in 350ºF oven until warmed throughout, about 30 minutes. For a crispy topping, remove foil during last 10 minutes.

Tip:
For an additional festive look to the stuffing add 1/2 cup of cranberries.