Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing

Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing Recipe - Delicious Ground Pork, Onion, and Celery Stuffing

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. This savory and flavorful dressing is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal.

History

This recipe has been a staple at Mary's family gatherings for as long as anyone can remember. Mary's grandmother passed down the recipe to her, and she has continued to make it for her own family and friends.

Ingredients

2.25 lb (1.02 kg) ground pork
1.25 lb (567 g) onions
1 bunch celery
1 cup parsley
1 tbsp salt
1.5 tsp fresh ground pepper
0.5 loaf Freihofer's white bread (12 oz (340 g))
1.5 qt (1.42 liter) chicken stock (canned)
2 to 2.5 tbsp Bell's seasoning
1 green onion
9 jumbo eggs (6 for the stuffing and 3 for the cornbread)
3 packages (8.5 oz (241 g) each) “Jiffy” brand corn muffin mix

How to prepare

Bake the corn muffin mix according to the instructions on the package.
Brown the pork.
Coarsely chop the onions and celery to a medium size. Sauté them until the onions become clear.
Finely chop the parsley.
Beat the eggs together.
Combine all the ingredients.
Bake the mixture in 3 or 4 bread loaf pans at 350°F for about 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked through.
The dressing is done when a knife inserted into it comes out clean.

Variations

Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
Use Italian sausage instead of ground pork for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the pork before adding it to the mixture to enhance the flavor.

- Sautéing the onions and celery until the onions are clear will help to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Baking the dressing in bread loaf pans helps to create a nice, crispy crust on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the dressing in bread loaf pans helps to create a nice, crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Bell's seasoning, you can use a combination of dried sage, thyme, and marjoram.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dressing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dressing is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and soy.

Summary

Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing is a delicious and comforting side dish that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. With its savory flavors and crispy crust, it is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey and all the fixings.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and the smell of cinnamon and spices filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Mary, who was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I knew I was in for a treat.

Mary greeted me with a warm hug and a twinkle in her eye. She had a mischievous grin on her face as she beckoned me over to the stove. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's my secret for making the perfect turkey dressing."

I couldn't contain my curiosity as Mary began to gather the ingredients. She explained each step of the process in detail, from sautéing the onions and celery to adding the perfect blend of herbs and spices. As she worked, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of savory goodness.

I watched in awe as Mary worked her magic, her hands moving with precision and grace. She had a way of making even the simplest of ingredients come together in perfect harmony. It was like watching a master artist at work.

As the dressing baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its delicious scent, Mary poured us each a glass of wine and sat down at the table. She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Now, my dear friend, it's time for you to learn the secret to making the perfect turkey dressing."

She handed me a pen and a notebook and began to dictate the recipe to me. Each ingredient and measurement was carefully recorded, as if it were a sacred text. Mary's attention to detail was remarkable, and I hung on her every word.

After she had finished, I looked down at the recipe in my hands, feeling a sense of awe and gratitude. Mary had entrusted me with her secret, a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. I knew that this was a gift beyond measure.

As I left Mary's house that day, carrying the precious recipe in my hands, I knew that I had been given a treasure. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself and share it with my own family.

The next Thanksgiving, I decided to put Mary's recipe to the test. I gathered all the ingredients, just as she had instructed, and set to work in my own kitchen. The familiar scents of onions and celery cooking filled the air, and I felt a sense of connection to my dear friend.

As the dressing baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would it turn out as perfect as Mary's had? Would my family be as impressed as I had been?

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the dressing out of the oven and took a deep breath. The aroma was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort. I knew in that moment that Mary's recipe was truly something special.

As my family sat down to Thanksgiving dinner, I proudly served them each a generous helping of Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite, and I could see that I had succeeded in capturing the essence of Mary's culinary magic.

From that day on, Mary's recipe became a staple at our Thanksgiving table. It was a dish that brought us together, a symbol of friendship and tradition. And every time I made it, I felt a connection to my dear friend, a reminder of the day she had shared her secret with me.

As the years passed, I continued to make Mary's Perfect Turkey Dressing, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. It became a beloved tradition in our family, a reminder of the power of a shared recipe and the bond of friendship.

And so, every Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table to give thanks for all that we have, I think of Mary and the gift she gave me that day in her cozy kitchen. Her recipe will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple dish made with love.