Holidays :)

Dear Readers,
   The Holiday season is upon us! I absolutely love cooking for holidays especially Thanksgiving! I know most people think cooking for Thanksgiving is daunting & time consuming. Yes, it does take time but if you manage that time wisely you can get all the components of your meal on the table HOT! That seems to be one of the biggest issues. Just think about the time it takes to do each thing you want to make & don't go too crazy! Have your turkey, stuffing and maybe 2 other things. That's really all you need! People tend to make way too much which is why everyone thinks it takes forever to prepare. I make my turkey(which makes its own gravy), my Mom's sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts & broccoli & of course dessert. Honestly, I'm not a fan of sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts so that's why I make 2 extra things. I usually make a list of everything I'm making & how long it takes to do each thing. My stuffing I prepare the night before & just bake it while the turkey is resting. I do the same thing with the sweet potatoes. Trust me, getting your Thanksgiving meal on the table all at the same time & hot(& with your sanity!) is not a problem with a bit of time management. I lost my Mom in January so this is my first Thanksgiving without her & I am choosing to share her stuffing recipe with you all. It is the best & the only way I eat stuffing! It makes quite a bit so you'll have leftovers :)

Mom's Stuffing

Ingredients:
2lbs. Loose sausage meat without fennel
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
2 small bags or 1 large bag stuffing bread cubes(I used Arnold's)
Chicken broth, as needed

Directions:
1) In a large skillet, heat a 2 tablespoons of oil & brown the sausage until cooked.
2) Add celery & onion to pan & saute until soft but not brown.
3) Add bread cubes & stir. Add 1-1 1/2 cups chicken stock(more if necessary) until moistened but not mushy-keep in mind this will be baked!
4) Butter a 2 1/2qt casserole dish & place stuffing in being careful not to pack it.
*This can be made to this point the night before*
5) Bake at 350(or whatever temp you have your turkey on-I like to bake mine while my turkey is resting) until brown & crusty :)

I hope you all enjoy it & have a blessed Thanksgiving!