Santa Fe Stuffing

11/21/2000

12 slices white bread, cubed

1 1/2 cups fat-free chicken broth or vegetable broth

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, or 1 tablespoon dried

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1 jalapeno, minced (optional)

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1/2 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss together cubed bread, chicken broth, chives, and cilantro. Set aside. In a large, nonstick skillet, melt butter. Add onion and saute over medium heat until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper, green pepper, and jalapeno.

Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in corn.

Stir the vegetable mixture and the Monterey Jack into the moistened bread. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon stuffing into 2-quart baking dish. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is nicely browned.

Yield: 8 servings