New Orleans-style Oyster and French Bread Dressing

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source: River Road Recipes IV
 * Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients

 * 2 large loaves stale French bread, cubed
 * 1 quart fresh oysters
 * 1 bunch parsley, trimmed and chopped
 * 2 bunches green onions, chopped
 * 1 large bell pepper, chopped
 * 1 large onion, chopped
 * 4 ribs celery, chopped
 * 3 garlic cloves, chopped
 * 1 tsp (heaping) bacon drippings
 * 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
 * ⅛ to ¼ tsp thyme
 * salt and red pepper to taste

Directions

 * 1) Dry the bread cubes on a baking sheet at 200°F.
 * 2) Drain the oysters, reserving the liquor and discarding any shells.
 * 3) Cut large oysters into halves if desired.
 * 4) Soak the bread cubes in the reserved oyster liquor in bowl.
 * 5) Saute the parsley, green onions, bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic in a mixture of the bacon drippings and ½ cup of the butter in a large skillet until the vegetables are tender.
 * 6) Combine the sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, remaining ½ cup butter, oysters, thyme, salt and red pepper in a bowl and mix well.
 * 7) Spoon the dressing into a baking dish.
 * 8) Bake at 350°F until brown and bubbly.