Savory Cranberry, Pecan, and Sage Stuffing
This delightful stuffing recipe hails from Annie, a talented chef aboard the J&E Riggin schooner that gracefully navigates the stunning waters off Rockland, Maine. A cherished family recipe, it blends tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fragrant sage into a savory mix that brings warmth and flavor to your holiday table. This stuffing is perfect for elevating a classic roasted turkey, but can also be enjoyed as a standalone side dish. With its blend of textures and flavors, it's a heartfelt addition to Thanksgiving celebrations or any festive gathering.
6
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
onion
1 cup (diced)
celery
1 cup (diced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cranberries
1 cup (fresh or dried)
pecans
1 cup (chopped or in pieces)
fresh sage
1/4 cup (minced)
day old bread
12 cups (cut into 1-inch cubes)
chicken stock
2 cups (or more as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by assessing the moisture content of your day-old bread, as this will affect the amount of chicken stock needed. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
2
In a large sauté pan or stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the celery has softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the salt, cranberries, pecans, and minced sage, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cubes of bread, tossing gently to ensure the bread is evenly coated. Gradually add the chicken stock, continuing to mix until the stuffing is well-moistened but not saturated.
5
If using as turkey stuffing, carefully spoon the mixture into the turkey cavity, making sure not to overfill. Alternatively, you can transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6
If baking separately, place the covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden brown top. If stuffing the turkey, adjust the cooking time based on the turkey's weight, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
50g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Cranberry, Pecan, and Sage Stuffing?
This stuffing blends tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fragrant sage into a savory mix that provides warmth and varied textures.
Who is the chef behind this cranberry and pecan stuffing recipe?
The recipe comes from Annie, a chef on the J&E Riggin schooner based in Rockland, Maine.
Can this stuffing be used inside a turkey?
Yes, it is designed to be used either as a turkey stuffing or as a standalone side dish.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of day-old bread cut into 1-inch cubes.
How much butter is used in the preparation?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much onion and celery should I prepare?
You should prepare 1 cup of diced onion and 1 cup of diced celery.
Should I use fresh or dried cranberries?
You can use either 1 cup of fresh cranberries or 1 cup of dried cranberries.
What is the recommended amount of sage?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced fresh sage.
How much chicken stock is needed for the stuffing?
Start with 2 cups of chicken stock and add more as needed depending on the moisture of the bread.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions and celery in butter for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the celery is soft.
What is the oven temperature for baking the stuffing separately?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F.
How long does the stuffing take to bake in a dish?
Bake for 45 minutes while covered, then an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Why is the stuffing uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking?
Removing the cover for the final 10 minutes allows the stuffing to achieve a golden brown top.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this stuffing?
There are 9 primary ingredients: butter, onion, celery, salt, cranberries, pecans, fresh sage, day-old bread, and chicken stock.
How should the pecans be prepared?
Use 1 cup of pecans, either chopped or in pieces.
What texture should the stuffing have before baking?
The stuffing should be well-moistened but not soggy or saturated.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a festive addition and a cherished family recipe for holiday tables.
How should I adjust cooking if I am stuffing the turkey?
Adjust the cooking time based on the turkey's total weight to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Fruit.
Can I use chicken stock for this recipe?
Yes, 2 cups of chicken stock are used to moisten the bread cubes.
What is the first step in making the stuffing?
Assess the moisture content of your day-old bread to determine how much stock you will need.
In what order do I add the herbs and fruit?
After sautéing the onions and celery, stir in the salt, cranberries, pecans, and sage and cook for 2-3 minutes.
What should I use to bake the stuffing separately?
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, the nutritional information provided does not specify fiber or sugar content.