MARBLE RYE AND APPLE STUFFING

• MARBLE RYE AND APPLE STUFFING
• 1 1 pound loaf  marble rye bread cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 1 stick (4 oz.) butter
• 2 large leeks, white and pale-green parts only, chopped
• 2 large ribs celery, chopped
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 large apples (1 lb.), cored and chopped
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper

1. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 300 degrees . Scatter the bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, until toasted, about 25 minutes; let cool. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees .
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, celery, bay leaves and rosemary. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Discard bay leaves.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, 1 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Add the bread and the celery mixture. Toss to combine.
4. Transfer the stuffing to a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish; bake until the top is browned, about 45 minutes