[Guest Post] Thanksgiving with Cornbread Dressing by Michelle Rebecca

 

 Try a Taste of the South This Thanksgiving With Cornbread Dressing

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to start planning the perfect Turkey Day menu. You may put a lot of thought into trying new twists on favorite side dishes and desserts, but what about your stuffing? If you automatically make the same herb-bread stuffing every year, you may want to consider a classic Southern dish: cornbread dressing.

Making cornbread dressing is not so different from making bread stuffing, and cornbread, turkey and gravy make a delicious and memorable combination. This is a traditional Southern recipe that is easy to make and a delight to the taste buds. You and your guests may love it so much you’ll need to invest in used accugrade equipment to shovel it onto everyone’s plates!

Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

6 cups crumbled cornbread

3 cups soft bread crumbs

4 ounces butter

2 cups chopped onions

2 cups chopped celery

3 to 4 cups chicken or turkey broth

1 tablespoon dried sage

1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In large bowl, combine cornbread and bread crumbs.

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion and celery in butter until soft. Add to and combine with bread mixture. Add enough chicken or turkey broth to moisten. Add seasonings and beaten eggs, blending well. Spread dressing mixture in large, shallow roasting pan and bake for 20 to 30 minutes.

Although the traditional Southern way to prepare and serve dressing in outside of the bird, you can also stuff your turkey with it if you wish. In fact, the only difference between stuffing and dressing is where you put it. Putting stuffing into cavity of the turkey can give it a moister and richer flavor, although there is always the worry of possible salmonella contamination. If you stuff your turkey, just make sure the temperature in the center of the stuffing reaches 165 F.

Some Flavorful Twists

The beauty of a simple recipe like this is that it’s easy to add in other ingredients and make it your own. Try adding chopped, cooked sausage – either hot or mild – or cooked ground sausage. Other meats liked cooked ham or bacon are also delicious.

Other great add-ins include various fruits and nuts, such as chopped apples, raisins or cranberries. Try adding toasted nuts such as pecans, pine nuts or walnuts for great texture and flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with herbs like fresh parsley, cayenne or rosemary. Add what appeals to you and you’re sure to have a hit.

Michelle is a blogger and freelancer. She’s written about almost every topic under the sun, and loves constantly learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.