This being the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend, I first want to give a shout out to all my fellow Canadians on here and wish them a Happy long weekend with their families and friends.

Secondly, seeing as I’m busy prepping food for tomorrow’s dinner at my sister’s house, and I’m chopping onions, and celery I thought why not share my easy homemade stuffing recipe with you all. This dish can be enjoyed any day of the week, not just on Holidays.

It comes together quickly and what I like about it, I can prep it in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tsp of butter
• 1 tsp of lard such as Crisco
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 to 4 celery stalks, finely diced
• about 1/2 loaf of bread for this I use a mix of white and whole wheat 6 to 8 slices of each and let them dry out for a day or two, cubed
• fresh herbs
  • thyme: 2 twigs finely chopped
  • rosemary: 1 twig finely chopped
  • parsley: 3 twigs finely chopped, divide portion in two and set one aside
  • Note: the fresh herbs can be replaced by 1 1/2 tbsp. of dried poultry seasoning.
• Optional : 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
  • Note there are various add-ins that can be incorporated here, feel free to choose something that will go over well with your family like or nothing at all.

Preparation:

1. In a skillet over medium heat melt butter and lard together, add in the minced onions, diced celery, and fresh herbs (minus the portion of parsley you set aside), once the veggies have softened add the dried cranberries, if using.
2. In a separate large bowl add the cubed dried bread with water and chicken broth mixing until all the bread it the wet and bit sticky.
3. Add the onions, celery and herb mixture to the bread until thoroughly blended.
4. Transfer stuffing into a 9×13 oven ready dish and if making in advance pop some saran wrap on it and leave the stuffing in the fridge until ready to go in the oven, **no longer than 48 hours** otherwise freeze.

Cook time:

1. Pre-heat oven at 375 degree Fahrenheit
2. Put your dish in the oven on the middle rack
3. Set oven timer for thirty minutes or until top is golden brown so you might have to return it to the oven for a few more minutes
4. Optional: pop it back in on broil to get that nice crunchy top, but that’s a matter of preference, again do what you know your family will enjoy best.

Lastly, enjoy this time of gathering with family and friends and good food.