Old Fashioned Turkey Stuffing

 Yes, you could always go the old easy, boxed stuffing route.   But if you prefer to do something that could create a family tradition to pass on, something that is "only yours" and cannot be bought in a box-- set aside some time for this old fashioned turkey stuffing recipe!   Its enough to stuff a pretty large bird, and can certainly feed a crowd.  You can stuff it into the bird, or make it in a separate dish.    Or both.  This recipe is moist and delicious, it will keep the stuffing lovers wanting seconds!

Old Fashioned Turkey Stuffing

Ingredients:

30 slices of bread

1 large onion (finely chopped)

2 stocks celery (finely chopped

2 tablespoons butter

2 eggs

2 cups chicken broth

2 tsp sage

½ tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

** You will need to toast and dry the bread 1.5 days ahead of making the stuffing / doing your turkey.  The bread needs at least 24 hours to fully dry.  Otherwise your stuffing may come out to gummy and doughy.

1.        Start by toasting the bread slices.  Lay them out on cookie sheet, under your broiler.  Toast until golden brown.   Flip them over and toast the other side the same way.   Place them in a paper bag for a 1.5 days.

2.       Preheat oven to 325 degrees, F. 

3.       Lightly grease a 9x 13 inch pan (if you won't be stuffing a bird).  

4.       Cut bread into croutons, ½ inch thick/long.  Do this in batches.  Add the bread to a large bowl.  

5.       In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add the onion and celery.  Slowly cook until the vegetables are soft.   Then remove them from the heat and set aside.

6.       Lightly beat eggs in a small bowl, and add them to the bread crumbs, mixing thoroughly.  Add the chicken broth, and mix to moisten all the bread.  The mixture should be moist, but not mushy.  Use more water, if bread is too dry. 

7.       Stir in the cooked onion and celery. 

8.       Season the stuffing with sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder and salt/pepper to taste.  Mix the spices in well.

9.       Transfer stuffing into prepared baking dish (or stuff it into the bird if desired, you can also bake any leftover stuffing that wont fit int he bird). 

10.   Bake for one hour, until top is brown and crisp (or until your turkey is done).  Remove from oven.  Serve.