Just in case you are starting to think about and plan for Thanksgiving dinner, here is a great and simple recipe for a turkey with stuffing that is just a little bit different. Adding cherries to the stuffing gives it that little extra special taste that you family and guests will enjoy!
Turkey with Cherry Stuffing:
8 bacon strips, chopped into small pieces
1-1/2 cups of chopped celery
3/4 cups of chopped onion
8 ounces of bread cubes
1-3/4 cups of chicken broth
1-1/2 teaspoons of sage
1 teaspoon of thyme
1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of dried cherries
1 turkey – 12-14 lbs.
Melted butter
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and place on paper towel, reserving 1 tablespoons of drippings. Saute celery and onion in drippings until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing bread cubes, broth, sage, thyme, pepper and salt. Stir in the bacon, celery mixture and cherries.
- Just before baking, loosely stuff turkey. Skewer turkey openings and tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter.
- Bake, uncovered at 325F for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours or until meat thermometer reads 180F for the turkey and 165F for the stuffing. Baste occasionally during baking and if turkey browns too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let turkey stand covered for at least 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.
- You can thicken pan drippings for gravy if you wish.
Hope you will enjoy this recipe – please send me your comments, suggestions and experiences – your input is always welcomed!