Lunch: Cider, Bacon, and Golden Raisin Stuffing

Recipe by Mindy Fox A blend of whole grain and country breads gives this stuffing just the right deep, earthy flavor, while cider and vinegar-spiked golden raisins lend a few high notes. And the bacon? That's what makes it irresistible.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Apples, Apple Cider Vinegar

Health benefits of Cider, Bacon, and Golden Raisin Stuffing

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Apples will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full) Apple cider vinegar will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full)

Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 (3/4-pound) loaf country bread, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 8 cups)
1 (1/2-pound) loaf whole grain bread, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 4 cups)
6 cups apple cider
3/4 cup golden raisins (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 pound thick-cut smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2" pieces
1 large head of celery, stalks chopped (about 3 cups), whole leaves reserved
2 Gala or Honeycrisp apples, cored, coarsely chopped
4 large shallots, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 1/4 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
2 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 ºF. Butter a 13x9x2" baking dish.
Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Toast, stirring occasionally, until dry and crisp, 25 –30 minutes. Let cool, then transfer to a very large bowl.
Meanwhile, bring cider to a boil in a large wide pot and cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 40 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Bring raisins, vinegar, and 2 Tbsp. water just to a simmer in a small skillet over medium heat to warm through. Transfer to a small bowl; let cool, then drain.
Cook bacon in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain (do not wipe out skillet).
Heat 1/4 cup butter in same skillet over medium-high until melted. Add chopped celery stalks, apples, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10 –12 minutes.
Add celery mixture, celery leaves, raisins, bacon, and parsley to bread cubes and toss to combine. Mix in reserved cider and 1 1/4 cups broth.
Beat eggs in a small bowl, then stir into stuffing; add more broth if stuffing is dry. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake stuffing until cooked through and golden brown on top, about 1 hour.

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