Oyster Brioche Stuffing

Oyster Brioche Stuffing
12 slices brioche (3/4 inch thick), crusts removed
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion diced into 1/4-inch pieces
2 celery ribs diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons cognac (optional)
24 shucked oysters (1/3 cup liquor reserved)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped


Cooking Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut brioche into 3/4-inch cubes. Spread on a 17-by-12-inch baking sheet; bake until dry and golden, 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When hot, add onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, 3 minutes. Add nutmeg, cayenne, cognac, and oyster liquor; cook until liquid is absorbed, 1 minute. Add oysters and cream; cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, toss together brioche, oyster mixture, and parsley. Use for stuffing immediately. Note: If baking outside the turkey, spread in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake until golden on top, about 20 minutes. Stir stuffing, and bake another 20 minutes.