12 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 onions(2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
16 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
10 large fresh sage leaves, chopped, or 2 teaspoons crushed dried sage
6 cups Homemade Chicken Stock or canned low sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 loaves stale white bread (about 36 slices), crust on, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 cups fresh coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves (about 2 bunches)
2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
2 cups dried cherries(optional)
