Oven-Baked Bread Stuffing with Sausage, Pecans, and Apricots

Dry whichever bread you choose by cutting 1/2-inch slices, laying them in a single layer on baking sheets or cooling racks, and leaving them out overnight. The next day, cut the slices into 1/2-inch cubes and allow them to dry for another night. If you are in a hurry, rush the process by drying the slices in a 225-degree oven until brittle but not brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Then cut them into cubes and proceed. Any of the stuffings can be cooked inside the holiday bird if you prefer; just reduce stock to 1 cup. Stuff a 12- to 15-pound turkey with 6 cups of stuffing. Then add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken stock to the remaining stuffing and bake it separately in an 8-inch pan. If you prefer to use fresh herbs, substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh herbs for the dried sage, thyme, and marjoram.

ingredients

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted, plus possibly more dependent on quantity of rendered sausage fat
1 large onion, chopped medium (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 medium ribs celery , diced medium (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 cups dried 1/2-inch cubes from one 1-pound loaf French bread or potato, or challah bread
2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium canned chicken broth
3 large eggs , beaten lightly
1 teaspoon table salt
2 cups chopped pecans , toasted
1 cup dried apricots , sliced thin