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Boxed stuffing mix usually tastes just
like the box it comes in, unless you use a ton of butter and then pour
on plenty of gravy. Here are some excellent tips for turning that "in a
box" taste to "fresh from the kitchen" taste!
You'll need:
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Your favorite boxed stuffing mix
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Celery
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Onion
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Sweet Potato
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Cloves (either freshly ground or
powder)
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Salt and Pepper
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measuring cup
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large sauce pan
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strainer (fine mesh or colander)
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large mixing bowl
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small mixing bowl
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potato masher
Directions:
Pour dry stuffing mix into large mixing
bowl. If a seasoning pouch comes with the mix, set aside.
Check the directions that are given on
the box of stuffing and check for the amount of water you need to add to
the mix. Measure this amount of water and pour into saucepan.
Note: If you are using two boxes of mix,
then double the amount of water. If you are using three boxes, then
triple the amount, and so on.
Wash celery. Estimate 1 whole stalk
(including leaves) per box of mix. Chop celery and mince the leaves. Add
to water.
Depending on your own tastes, mince one
or more slices of onion. Add to water.
Wash sweet potato. Estimate 1 small sweet
potato per box of mix. Cut into small pieces (cut in half, cut the
halves in half, and then cut those pieces in half, until you have pieces
the size of a walnut). Add to water.
Add contents of seasoning pouch (if you
have one).
Add a pinch of cloves. This is a very
strong spice, so it is better to add too little at first than to add too
much.
Bring water to boil. Continue to boil (or
par boil if the mixture is starting to cook over the top of the pan)
until the sweet potato is completely cooked (you can put a fork in a
piece of sweet potato and the potato is very soft).
Using a strainer, measure only the amount
of water needed per the box mix instructions. Set aside.
Put contents of strainer into a small
mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash until sweet potato is
completely mashed and well mixed with the celery and onion. Add to dry
stuffing mix. Blend.
Add water to stuffing mixture. Stir well
until all of the stuffing mix is thoroughly moistened. Add salt and
pepper to taste (but I rarely do).
If the stuffing mixture doesn't seem
moist enough, you can add a few tablespoons of gravy (I usually use "fat
free" gravy)---until the stuffing is as moist as you prefer.
I like to make the stuffing a day ahead
of time and let all the flavors of the sweet potato, celery, onion, and
clove really set in.
Heat stuffing in the oven or in the
microwave, however you prefer.
You now have "homemade stuffing" (that
doesn't include a cup of butter, but does include fresh celery and sweet
potato!)...
Enjoy!!!
Print this recipe!
For easy and FREE Thanksgiving Day
crafts, please go to Jan's Reading Room and check out the Holidays and
Seasonal section:
http://readingroom.janktheproofer.com/ReadingIntro.htm
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