Ultimate Turkey Dressing

Thanksgiving was a special holiday when I was growing up in the Midwest, as it was for most Americans. The whole family gathered together to enjoy the typical holiday fare; roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, string beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. We would overload our plates with gluttonous portions and force ourselves to finish the repast, sopping up that last bit of gravy with a yeast roll. We made pigs of ourselves and never indicated the least bit of shame.

I have to admit, though, that I am not a big turkey fan. I would take small portions of the savory meat while concentrating on the stuffing that had soaked up its luscious juices. My mother’s dressing was fairly simple, having bits of onions and celery to offset the sweetness of the breading. I could make a meal out of this delicious side dish topped with copious amounts of turkey gravy.

Since then I have developed many means of ensuring that my turkey comes out moist and flavorful. Daily injections of white wine for three days preceding the feast provide the perfect marinade for this delicate bird. Hourly injections of butter guarantee moistness as it slow cooks the entire day. I regularly receive accolades for the flavor of my creation. But it is my stuffing that steals the show.

My dressing is more than a doughy substance of breadcrumbs and spices. It is a cornucopia of flavors concocted in the mind of a connoisseur. A mixture of meats and vegetables combine to create a festive dance on the tongue. Others can devour the turkey; to me it is a mere cooking utensil for the main course.

• I generally do all of my slicing and dicing the day before the big day. That way I can combine all ingredients in the morning and stuff the bird for a long days roasting.
• I make my own sausage, which becomes a key flavor ingredient in the mixture. However, for the less industrious any good breakfast sausage will do.
• I cut up the bread cubes from some good French or Italian loaves a couple days in advance to allow them to dry sufficiently before preparing the dressing.

1. In skillet large enough to easily accommodate all ingredients, melt ½ cup butter.
2. Add onion and celery. Sauté until golden and limp.
3. Add bread cubes and all other remaining ingredients. Toss together lightly but well.
4. Add remaining ½ cup butter. Toss with fork until blended.
5. Stuff turkey with as much of mixture as possible. Put any remaining stuffing in baking dish to cook and serve as dressing

The finished product is a moist combination of flavors and textures that will compliment any main course. This side dish can go well with other poultry as well as pork. Topped with a thick spoonful of giblet gravy and you have a feast beyond compare.