Dried Cherry Dressing

• 8 ounces bacon
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 apples, minced
• 1 cup dried cherries or 1 cup raisins or 1 cup dried cranberries, soaked in bourbon
• 14 cup minced fresh herb (parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme)
• 12 cups bagged bread stuffing mix (include at least of 6 cups corn bread stuffing)
• water or chicken broth or turkey broth
• black pepper
• salt

1. Saute bacon in large frying pan until fat is rendered, but the bacon is not quite crisp.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; chop when cool.
3. Remove excess fat from pan (or substitute cooking oil or margarine for a lighter version) and saute vegetables until soft.
4. Add apples, cherries and herbs and toss briefly over medium heat.
5. Mix vegetables, bacon and breads together in a large bowl and add enough water or stock to moisten and bind all of the ingredients.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Place mixture in a well-buttered baking dish, cover and bake in 325-degree oven for 50 minutes.
8. Leave uncovered for last 10 minutes to brown slightly.
9. Note: 1 cup toasted pecans can be added to this stuffing for an added Southern accent.
10. Add with the apples, cherries and herbs.
11. A 16 ounce bag of stuffing bread crumbs equals 3 cs.

bacon, onions, celery, garlic, apples, cherries, fresh herb, bread stuffing mix, water, black pepper, salt

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/dried-cherry-dressing-29061 (may not work)