SAGE & SAUSAGE STUFFING

Steps:

• Saute meats in large frying pan. While that is cooking, cube the bread (leave the crusts on).
• Dump bread cubes into a large bowl. When meat is cooked through, dump into a colander to rinse and drain; then add to the bread cubes, toss lightly.
• In same frying pan, add a dab of butter and saute the mushrooms. When they begin to get limp and juicy, dump into bowl with meat-bread mixture. Toss lightly.
• In frying pan, with another dab of butter, saute onion and celery. When onion is transparent either dump into bowl and toss OR dump into blender jar along with 1/4-1/2 cup melted butter and swirl into fine-ness. (This is for the kids who don't like to see chunks of "yukkies" as my son complains!), THEN pour over bread cube mixture and mix inches.
• Sprinkle herbs over the top, and toss again.
• Depending on how "juicy" you like your stuffing/dressing, melt another 1/2 cup of butter and drizzle over and stir.
• This is used for stuffing turkey, goose or chicken.
• Dressing can be baked in a greased, covered casserole dish at 325-350°F for 30-40 minutes.
• OPTIONAL ADD-INs: Try one or two of the following suggestions: 1-2 small cans sliced (minced) water chestnuts, 1/2 - 1 cup green olives, 1 cup chopped toasted nuts (walnuts are great!). Try a 1/4-1/2 cup cornmeal for an entirely different flavor.
• SUBSTITUTE: 1-2 small cans of drained mushroom stems and pieces instead of the fresh ones. Other herbs and LOTS of pepper are great too. Try a combination of wholewheat and white bread.
• LEFTOVERS: Reheat in the oven or microwave; keep pan covered unless you like it a bit drier. Use as a bread-like crust for Turkey Divan (with broccoli spears, turkey pieces, grated cheese and cream-of-mushroom soup over the top--baked).