Are you ready to add a touch of old Hollywood glamour to your Thanksgiving table or any autumnal feast? Then look no further! This Marilyn Monroe Stuffing recipe is not just incredibly delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by the iconic star's rumored love for simple, comforting foods, this stuffing boasts a delightful blend of savory herbs, crunchy celery, and perfectly toasted bread, all coming together in a symphony of flavors. It's the perfect complement to your roast turkey or any other festive main course, guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) crusty bread, cubed and dried overnight (or toasted in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Bloom the herbs: Add the dried sage, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to release their fragrant oils. This step significantly enhances the flavor profile of your stuffing.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables and herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Add the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring gently to ensure all the bread is moistened. Don't over-soak the bread; you want it to be moist but not soggy.
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Bake to perfection: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
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Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley (optional). Serve hot alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Tips for the Best Marilyn Monroe Stuffing:
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Drying the bread: Drying the bread overnight (or toasting it) is crucial for preventing a soggy stuffing. Make sure the cubes are relatively dry before adding them to the other ingredients.
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Don't overmix: Gently stir the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the bread cubes too much.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the stuffing before baking and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
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Make it your own: Feel free to add other ingredients, such as cranberries, apples, sausage, or chestnuts, to customize your stuffing.
Variations:
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Cranberry-Apple Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chopped apple to the stuffing mixture for a sweet and tart twist.
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Sausage Stuffing: Incorporate 1 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier, more savory stuffing.
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Vegetarian Stuffing: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding mushrooms or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
This Marilyn Monroe Stuffing recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your holiday meals or create a quick dinner idea anytime. It's a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this glamorous side dish!