Mouth-watering flavors of autumn permeate this lovely stuffing concocted by our Test Kitchen home economists. Apple bits and plump raisins add fruity flavor to the brown rice.


INGREDIENTS


* 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice, divided
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
* 1/3 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 cup chopped tart apple
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)


SERVINGS 6
CATEGORY Lower Fat
METHOD Baked
PREP 60 min.
COOK 165 min.
TOTAL 225 min.


DIRECTIONS



In a saucepan, combine the broth, 1/3 cup apple juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and raisins. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes or until rice is tender.
Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, cook celery and onion in butter for 2 minutes. Add apple; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Combine the rice mixture, apple mixture, poultry seasoning, pepper and remaining apple juice and salt.
Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 2-3/4 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180° for the turkey and 165° for the stuffing. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.)
Cover turkey and let stand for 20 minutes. Remove stuffing and carve turkey, discarding skin. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy. Yield: 6 servings with leftovers. Editor's Note: Stuffing may be prepared as directed and baked separately in a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and bake a 325° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through.




NUTRITIONAL INFO



Nutritional Analysis: One serving (3 ounces cooked turkey with 3/4 cup stuffing, calculated without gravy) equals 286 calories, 8 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 443 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 17 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.