CORNBREAD DRESSING

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Now, as far as I’m concerned, there are few dishes better than dressing. And because I love dressing so much I always make too much. I simply can’t stop myself. But for the sake of keeping to my mission of providing you with economical and smaller scale recipes to serve during the holidays, I was actually able to curb my natural tendency to be a dressing over-achiever, and kept the proportions to the perfect size to accompany my Crispy Skinned Roast Chicken or any other main dish for a smaller gathering.

Now of course, if you wanted to use this recipe to feed more people you could always just double or triple the ingredients. (See, already I’m thinking of a larger quantity. There truly is no help for me!) But I sincerely hope this recipe helps you when you are planning a small dinner party or to keep your holiday meal budget in line.

  • 1/2 lb. Italian sausage (pork or chicken)
  • 4 T. (1/2 stick) butter
  • 3/4 c. diced celery
  • 3/4 c. chopped onion
  • ½ tsp. dried sage
  • 2 tsp. poultry seasoning (or to taste)
  •  ¼ tsp. granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 3 c. cubed rustic bread (I like part sour dough)
  • 1 (8.5-oz.) box Jiffy Corn Muffin mix, baked per package instructions, cubed
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 c. chicken broth (not low sodium)

Fry sausage (crumbling it as it browns) in a large frying pan or Dutch oven. When browned add the butter, celery, and onion; cook until the onion is transparent.  Stir in the sage, poultry seasoning, garlic, and parsley. Remove from heat and gently stir in the bread cubes and cubed cornbread. (Don’t worry if the cornbread breaks down.) Whisk together the egg and chicken broth. Pour over the bread mixture and gently stir until combined. Now, if you are like me, you will want to taste the dressing at this point. Don’t worry that the dressing seems too sweet. After it is baked it will be perfect.

Spoon the dressing into a buttered casserole pan, cover with lid or aluminum foil, and either refrigerate until ready to bake or place in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove lid and bake an additional 5 minutes or until starting to brown on top. Serve hot.