Wild Rice, Spiced Pecan, Apple & Sourdough Bread Stuffing

TWO DAYS AHEAD:
Trim the crust from the bread and cut the remainder into 1/2-inch dice to get 6 cups. Spread the bread on baking sheets to dry overnight.

ONE DAY AHEAD:
In a large pot, combine the wild rice, 6 cups water, and 2 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook until tender and the kernels start to open, 50 to 55 min. Remove from the heat, drain if necessary, and spread out to cool on a baking sheet.

In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, sauté 4 min.; add the celery and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 4 min. Remove from the heat and stir in the herbs, pepper, and 1 tablespoon salt. Cool in a shallow dish.

Meanwhile, peel, core, and dice the apples. Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When the butter sizzles, add the apples and sprinkle in the sugar. Sauté until the apples begin to brown, 5 to 8 min. Add 2/3 cup of the cider (reserve the rest), scrape up any brown bits, and let the cider reduce for 1 min. Pour the apples and liquid into the onion mixture and let cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine the rice, bread, and apple mixture. Refrigerate.

ON THE DAY OF SERVING:
Bring the stuffing to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Mix together the eggs, 1 cup cider, and chicken stock. Fold the liquid into the stuffing mixture and mix well. It will be fairly wet. Fold in the spiced pecans. Follow the directions for stuffing the turkey and baking the extra stuffing in a pan in the Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Thyme Gravy recipe (see recipe).