MY FAVORITE SAUSAGE DRESSING

My Favorite Sausage Dressing image

Provided by Marcia McCance

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pkg pepperidge farm, country style, herb seasoned stuffing with dark/white bread
2.5-3 c chicken broth -- do not put too much or it becomes "mushy" -- (kitchen basics brand has less salt) homemade is even more excellent
1 stick butter (melted in microwave)
1 pkg jimmy dean sage sausage (crumbled & fried in cast iron skillet) (it comes in a tube shape)
1 bunch entire bunch of celery sliced (yes, the whole thing -- every good celery rib included in the bunch) (i slice mine in the food processor)
3 medium yellow onions diced (i chop mine in the food processor)
1/2 c dried cranberries
1/2 c raisins (regular or yellow golden)
1 c chopped pecans (or any nut you like) - walnuts are also good
ADDITIONAL DRIED HERBS TO ADD
1 Tbsp parsley flakes
1 Tbsp rosemary, dried
1 Tbsp dried sage (don't skip this one)
1 Tbsp poultry seasoning if you have it (if you don't, that's fine)
1 Tbsp thyme, dried

Steps:

1. put the bread crumbs in a large roasting pan with lid & sprinkle with additional dried herbs
2. pour the chicken broth and melted butter over and mix till evenly moist -- you may not need all the broth -- don't use too much or it gets mushy -- just make sure it is wet without being soggy
3. add the celery, onion, cooked sausage, cranberries, raisins, and pecans
4. stir until well mixed (I like to mix between each addition)
5. Cover and Bake at 350 for about 1 hour or until done in the center -- like a cake or at 400 for 30-35 minutes)
6. Can be baked in covered roaster or (after mixed) transfer to two smaller covered casserole dishes. (Both baked at same time, or bake one now and one tomorrow -- store in refrigerator over night -- the sausage is cooked so should cause no problem.)(You may also stuff the turkey with this mixture and bake the leftovers in a separate covered dish.)
7. If you use a cooking bag (follow bag directions) to roast the turkey, add a few medium sized red potatoes, large carrots, and small whole onions to the bottom of the bag around the turkey. People love these roasted vegetables -- and you will have excellent broth for gravy.