Country Ham and Sage Dressing

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb firm-textured bread white cut into 3/4
• 2 cups celery chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth 
• 0.5 pound country ham cubed
• 1 large eggs beaten
• 0.7 cup flat-leaf parsley fresh chopped
• 3 tablespoons sage fresh minced
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh minced
• 6  garlic cloves minced
• 4 cups onions chopped
• 1 teaspoon pepper 
• 0.5 cup butter unsalted divided

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• baking pan

Directions

1. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on 2 large baking sheets.
2. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until toasted.
3. Let cool, and transfer to a very large bowl.
4. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat; add country ham, and saut 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add ham to bread in bowl.
6. Melt remaining butter in same skillet over medium heat; add onion and celery, and saut 8 minutes.
7. Add garlic, and saut 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat; add to bread in bowl.
9. Combine broth, egg, and pepper.
10. Add broth mixture to bread, tossing well. Stir in fresh herbs. Spoon dressing into a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking dish.
11. Bake, covered, at 400 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 to 20 more minutes or until top is browned and crusty.
12. Make Ahead: Prepare dressing a day ahead. Store dressing, unbaked, in refrigerator. The next day, let dressing stand at room temperature 30 minutes and bake as directed. Reheat briefly just before serving.