Pear, Chestnut, and Sage Dressing

1 large Onion, finely diced
1 large Carrot, finely diced
3 stalks Celery, finely diced
3 sticks  Unsalted Butter, melted
2 Bosc Pears, peeled and diced
1 cups Chestnuts, peeled and chopped
8 ounces Breakfast Sausage, cooked, drained, and chopped
1/2 cups  Parsley, chopped
1/2 cups Fresh Sage Leaves, chopped
8 cups Rustic Country Bread, 1/2-inch dice
2 cups Turkey or Chicken Stock
 Salt And Black Pepper

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat in 2 tablespoons of the butter until soft, about 10‐12 minutes.
• Combine the pears, chestnuts, sausage, herbs, and bread in a large bowl. 
• Add onion, carrot, and celery mixture. 
• Add enough of the butter and stock to lightly moisten the bread without allowing it to become soggy. 
• Handle dressing gently when mixing. 
• Season to taste, being generous with the black pepper.
• Spoon dressing into a buttered shallow baking pan and cover with foil. 
• Bake immediately for about 45 minutes. 
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15‐20 minutes.