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1
Preheat the oven to 400F, Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets.
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2
Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned.
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3
Set aside to cool.
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4
Reduce the oven temperature to 375F.
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5
To prepare the chestnuts, using a sharp paring knife, make a long slash on the flat side of each chestnuts, cutting through the outer shell and inner skin.
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6
Spread the chestnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour.
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7
Every 15 minutes, sprinkle the chestnuts with a little water.
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8
Peel the chestnuts while they are still quite warm but cool enough to handle.
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9
Using the paring knife, remove the outer shells and the inner brown skins.
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10
Discard any chestnuts that look rotten.
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11
Set any chestnuts that are hard to peel, then rewarm them in the 375F oven for 2 to 3 minutes or place them on a paper towel and microwave on high for 45 seconds.
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12
Repeat as needed until easy to peel.
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13
You should have about 2 cups peeled nuts.
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14
Break all the chestnut meats into small chunks and set aside.
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15
Reduce the oven temperature to 350F.
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16
Coat a deep, 9-by-13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
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17
Place the bread cubes and chestnuts in a very large bowl.
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18
In large saute pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
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19
Swirl to coat the pan and add the onion, carrots, and celery.
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20
Saute, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
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21
Add the apples and saute for 2 minutes longer.
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22
Add the parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and a few grinds of pepper and saute for 1 minute longer.
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23
Add the apple mixture to the bread cubes and stir to combine.
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24
Add the eggs and stock to the bowl and mix well.
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25
Scoop the stuffing into the prepared pan and bake, uncovered, for about 1 hour until the top is lightly browned and crusty.
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26
If you have room in your oven, bake the stuffing while the turkey is roasting.
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27
Otherwise, bake it beforehand and reheat it once the turkey is out.
