Whatever you call it, dressing or stuffing, it is one of the highlights of the Thanksgiving meal, in my opinion. In all my years, which there are plenty of, I don’t think I’ve had dressing as part of a meal other than during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday time.  There are many different recipes for dressing, but the chestnuts in this recipe add delicious texture and flavor.

“Chestnut Dressing” is taken from Karen Jean Matsko Hood’s Thanksgiving Delights Cookbook, A Collection of Thanksgiving Recipes. It is available from Karen’s Bookstore or Whispering Pine Press International Bookstore.

Kimberley Carter says about Thanksgiving Delights: …“Thanksgiving Delights is more than a cookbook.  Filled with fun facts, hundreds of recipes, and pleasant poetry, it’s more like discovering a holiday treasure chest!  The recipes are enticingly simple, yet elegant to serve.  This cookbook is STUFFED with practical ideas for scrumptious food that you’ll want to share!

Thanksgiving Delights is sure to become a family favorite for those who appreciate the value of holiday tradition and lasting memories.  No serious cookbook collector should be without this latest addition to the Cookbook Delights Series!”

Chestnut Dressing

Ingredients:

2  c. boiled chestnuts, shelled, chopped

2  Tbs. butter

1  c. chopped celery

⅓ c. chopped onion

8  c. toasted whole-wheat bread crumbs

2  tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

½ tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. dried sage

½ tsp. dried marjoram

½ tsp. dried rosemary

½ tsp. dried thyme

⅔ c. butter, melted

broth or water to moisten

Directions:

1. With sharp knife, cut slits in surface of chestnuts.
2. Place chestnuts in medium saucepan with enough water to cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Cook 25 minutes, or until tender; drain, peel, and chop.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Sauté celery and onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender.
6. Combine bread crumbs, chestnuts, sautéed celery and onion, and seasonings.
7. Add butter and enough liquid to moisten.
8. Toss gently to mix.
9. Transfer to oiled large casserole dish; cover and bake 30 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more.