Sweet Potato and Apple Stuffing

Bring to a boil water to cover and simmer, covered, until tender:

• 2 pounds whole sweet potatoes or yams, unpeeled

Drain. When cool enough to handle, remove the skins and mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Heat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the foam subsides:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Add and cook, stirring until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Add and cook, stirring, until the apples are tender but still firm, 3-4 minutes:

• 2 cups diced peeled green apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Stir into the sweet potatoes, along with:

• 2 cups dry unseasoned bread crumbs, perferably homemade

Adjust the seasoning and moisten, if needed, with:

• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock

Dot with:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Use as a stuffing or turn into a large shallow buttered baking dish and bake in a 350 ° F oven until browned and bubbly, 30-45 minutes.