Recipe: Stuffing for Christmas or Thanksgiving
Description:
This stuffing recipe is a homage to tradition, reminiscent of the creator’s mother’s cherished recipe, passed down through generations with a touch of personal flair. 🍽️ It’s a comforting dish that captures the essence of holiday gatherings, inviting you to savor the familiar flavors and aromas of the season. With a flexible approach to measurements and a focus on taste preferences, this stuffing embodies the spirit of home cooking, where each ingredient is added with care and intuition. Whether enjoyed alongside a festive roast turkey or as a standalone dish, this stuffing promises to delight the senses and evoke memories of cherished moments around the holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 10 onions
- 3 celery ribs
- Dried thyme
- Dried sage
- Fresh sage
- Dried rosemary
- Fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cans of chicken broth
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 954.8
- Fat Content: 17.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 30.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1659.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 165.6g
- Fiber Content: 8.2g
- Sugar Content: 9.5g
- Protein Content: 35.4g
Cooking Instructions:
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If you’re using bread, begin by toasting it in a large shallow baking pan in the middle of the oven until just dry, which typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes. This step adds a delightful texture to the stuffing, creating a perfect balance between soft and crispy elements.
🕒 Preparation Time: 30 minutes
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For those opting for stuffing mix, feel free to skip the toasting step and proceed directly to preparing the vegetables. This convenient alternative saves time without compromising on flavor.
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In a large heavy skillet, melt the unsalted butter over moderate heat, then add the onions, celery, and a medley of herbs, including dried thyme, dried sage, and dried rosemary. Allow the vegetables to gently cook, stirring occasionally, until the celery becomes softened and the fragrant aroma of the herbs fills the kitchen, which typically takes around 10 minutes.
🕒 Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Once the vegetables have reached the desired level of tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat and combine the cooked mixture with either the toasted bread or stuffing mix in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that every bite is infused with a harmonious blend of savory flavors.
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Allow the stuffing mixture to cool completely, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This crucial step ensures that each spoonful bursts with the essence of the herbs and vegetables, creating a symphony of taste and texture that tantalizes the taste buds.
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For optimal convenience, this stuffing freezes extremely well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep ahead of time. Simply portion the cooled mixture into ziplock bags, removing any excess air to preserve freshness, and store in the freezer until ready to use.
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On the day of serving, whether it be for a festive Christmas feast or a Thanksgiving gathering, there are two delightful options for enjoying this delectable stuffing. For those who prefer a classic approach, gently stuff the prepared mixture into the cavity of a roast turkey, allowing the flavors to mingle and infuse throughout the cooking process. Alternatively, for a standalone dish that shines in its own right, transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe encourages creativity and personalization, allowing you to adjust the quantities of herbs and chicken broth according to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a more pronounced sage flavor or a richer broth-infused texture, feel free to tailor the recipe to suit your culinary desires.
- For those seeking a drier consistency, simply reduce the amount of chicken broth used in the recipe. Conversely, if you prefer a moist and succulent stuffing, follow the suggested amount or adjust to your liking.
- To streamline the cooking process and alleviate last-minute stress, consider preparing this stuffing several days in advance and freezing it in portioned ziplock bags. This convenient make-ahead option ensures that you can enjoy the flavors of the holiday season with ease and efficiency, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with loved ones around the table.
