Cornbread Dressing (Southern W/Sage, Aka Holy Grail Dressing) |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 60 Minutes |
Ready In: 90 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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For me, and particularly from the perspective of a Southerner, dressing is one of those traditional dishes which becomes dog-eared in your life's history. Most folks I know still prefer the dressing or stuffing recipe which arcs back to their childhood, and I am no exception. I was raised by my grandmother, and after her passing, I became obsessed with trying to duplicate the dressing she made which I loved so very much. After innumerable attempts, and a search that took roughly 10 years and FAR too much experimentation on my part (hence the nickname, Holy Grail Dressing ), the recipe below produces a dish that is (REALLY) always moist and full of flavor. (I love sage and usually add more-3 to 4 TABLESPOONS ;o], but the quantity listed below should be safe for those who aren't as addicted to sage as I am. I also bump up the other spices a bit a well, but didn't want to freak anybody out so am posting the basic measurements.) Ingredients:
1/2 cup margarine |
1/2 cup onion, chopped |
3 cups celery & leaves, chopped |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon pepper |
3 teaspoons sage |
1/2 teaspoon thyme |
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning |
5 cups soft breadcrumbs |
5 cups crumbled cornbread |
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup |
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth |
3 eggs |
1 teaspoon vinegar |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Melt margarine in skillet & saute onion & celery.
3. Add salt, pepper, sage, thyme, & poultry seasoning to the cooked onions & celery-I usually will mix the spices together in a separate container before adding to the vegetables.
4. In large bowl (I use the largest stainless steel bowl I own) combine bread crumbs, cornbread.
5. In smaller bowl, blend soup, water, eggs, & vinegar.
6. Add celery & onions to bread mixture, toss lightly, then add liquid mixture & blend thoroughly.
7. Turn into 9x13 baking dish and bake 350º for an hour. (Can also be used as a stuffing.).
8. If desired, dressing may be prepared ahead of time, baked 30 minutes, cooled and frozen, then baked about 45 minutes when ready to serve.
9. NOTE: Mama also stuffed the bird with hers-it was wonderful-but my dressing needs are fully satisfied baking it separately.
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