Ask Food: Turkey Stuffing 101

Help! This is my first time as a host at Thanksgiving and I want to make sure my dressing is a hit. Can you help?

A: Here is Turkey Stuffing 101:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 large onion, chopped

3 medium celery ribs with leaves, chopped

15-ounce bag cubed seasoned stuffing or 1 pound firm white sandwich bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (10 cups) and dried overnight or in the oven

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 cups homemade turkey stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, optional

Salt and freshly milled black pepper

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is golden, about 10 minutes.

Scrape the vegetables and butter into a large bowl. Add the stuffing and parsley. Stir in enough of the stock to moisten the stuffing, about 2-1/2 cups. Season with the poultry seasoning, if desired, and salt and pepper to taste. Use to stuff turkey, or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with an additional 1/2 cup stock, cover, and bake as a side dish at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Courtesy Rick Rodgers on foodnetwork.com

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