Recipe: Fruit and Nut Stuffing
Description:
This delectable Fruit and Nut Stuffing recipe has been a beloved Thanksgiving tradition since its inception on a morning show back in 1997. Bursting with flavors of dried cranberries, pecans, and white raisins, this stuffing is guaranteed to elevate your holiday feast. Whether stuffed inside a turkey or baked separately, it promises to be a delightful addition to your table.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | unsalted butter |
| 1 | onion |
| 1 | celery stalk |
| 1/2 cup | dried cranberries |
| 1 cup | pecans (toasted) |
| 16 oz | white raisins |
| 1 bunch | sage leaves |
| 1 tbsp | ground sage |
| 1 tbsp | thyme leaves |
| 2 tsp | marjoram |
| 1 1/2 cup | chicken broth |
| To taste | salt |
| To taste | pepper |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 281
- Fat Content: 15.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 20.3mg
- Sodium Content: 362.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 10.1g
- Protein Content: 5g
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the onion and celery stalk.
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Sautéing Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until they turn translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Toasting Pecans: While the aromatics are sautéing, toast the pecans in a separate skillet over medium-low heat. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and toast until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes. Once toasted, set them aside to cool slightly.
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Mixing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unseasoned bread cubes, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, white raisins, sage leaves, ground sage, thyme leaves, and marjoram. Toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
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Moistening the Stuffing: If desired, you can add chopped cooked giblets to the mixture for added depth of flavor. Then, gradually pour the chicken broth over the stuffing mixture, stirring gently to moisten the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced.
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Stuffing Options: At this point, you have the option to either cook the stuffing separately or stuff it inside the cavity of a turkey. If cooking separately, transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish coated with non-stick spray.
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Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the stuffing at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on top.
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Adjusting Moisture: Throughout the baking process, periodically check the moisture level of the stuffing. If it appears to be drying out, add additional chicken broth to maintain your preferred level of moisture.
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Serving: Once the stuffing is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or as a delightful side dish.
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Enjoy: Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the delicious flavors of this timeless Fruit and Nut Stuffing recipe. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or any other special occasion, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. 🦃🍽️
