This is always a strange time of year for Canadians. We’ve already had our Thanksgiving weeks ago, so all of this American hoopla over the holiday seems like it’s a “been there, done that” kind of deal. But this year it’s a little different in our household and we kinda let Thanksgiving pass us by. I was busy and we ate soup. No big deal or so I thought.
But this Saturday, we took a run for the border into Bellingham WA and picked up a pre-brined Trader Joe’s turkey (HELP! Quick question: Do I wash/rinse/soak the pre-brined turkey or just rub it with butter and bake it? Answered on Twitter = rinse.) Once I was caught up in the Trader Joe’s frenzy, it was like I was on auto-pilot or something. I just wanted turkey and all the things that come with Thanksgiving. And one of the big things I missed this year was stuffing. And this old fashioned and kinda basic stuffing is something you can make without a turkey or even a chicken. It’s my mom’s age-old recipe and I love it. But this time I added in walnuts and apples just to put my own stamp on it. Don’t even want to think about turkey? No worries, just make the stuffing a part of your vegan meal. It’s easy. Head over to Poppytalk for the recipe and the story and get stuffed.
did you have to smuggle the bird back across?
I think any occasion is a good occasion for yummy stuffing.
Looks delicious! Even though I no longer eat the bird, I still enjoy a good stuffing, especially one that has dried fruit and nuts in it…and chestnuts (my personal favourite). I think I'm going to make yours – just because.
Believe it or not, I know some folks that "make" Stouffers stove top boxed stuffing for Thanksgiving and in my opinion these folks need a a good kick in the butt! How hard can it be to make stuffing?! Obviously not that hard at all…you don't even need a bird!
I drive my Canadian husband nuts because I refer to y'all's Thanksgiving as "Fakesgiving." Because it is. And up here in Quebec, he calls mine "Yanksgiving." Frankly, it means two awesomely large meals during the chilly months so it's all good.
You are more than welcome to celebrate the US Thanksgiving should you so desire. I love stuffing. This looks so simple and delicious. I should make stuffing year-round.
Kali – I feel your pain! Do your sister also use canned gravy? The folks I'm acquainted with, use the boxed stuffing AND the canned gravy…just awful 🙂
This is my favorite kind of stuffing! Crispy on top, with lots of sage. Whenever I make it my boyfriend runs into the kitchen and adds even more sage! I tried adding sausage to it recently and that was delicious too.
Kali, as long as you are getting 2 amazing meals out of it, count yourself lucky!
kntgrl, I wasn't sure on the rules when we did smuggle it over, but apparently you are allowed to bring back 1 turkey.
Bijoux, I've never had chestnuts in stuffing! Sounds like it would be good. I really loved the walnuts here, so I can imagine that chestnuts would be great. Yeah, I don't get the need to get stuffing from a box. Gravy too? Even easier! Insanity.
Thanks Joanne, stuffing should be made year round. Forget that once a year nonsense.
Kali, that is frustrating! Stuffing is so super easy.
Sausage? That would be amazing, Katerina!
My sister and her husband still insist on making Stove Top stuffing, something which frustrates me and my mother to no end.
Thankfully, they do not use canned gravy because my mother has her limits. Canned gravy scares me.
I love Thanksgiving–it easily ties with Xmas as my favorite holiday, for all the coziness, comfort food, warmth, festivity, tradition, and being around my loved ones. And I'm certainly not complaining about the welcome break from school/work. I hope you enjoyed celebrating yours belatedly, this week, along w/ us down here! Your food looks delicious.
Glad you got to have your stuffing fix. It would be awfully sad to go without stuffing for another year. Maybe we should start a day dedicated to stuffing. Greeting cards that say "Happy Stuffing Day!" and t-shirts that proclaim "Get Stuffed!" I think it could be a very good thing. 😉
Thanksgiving is for everyone – and so is that yummy stuffing!!
Bellcurves, thanksgiving doesn't seem to be such a big deal up here, but it's still definitely enjoyable! I am a huge fan of Christmas, however!
Lynn, I agree completely.
Indeed, cookiepie
Oh I looooooooove stuffing! I used to hate it but now I really love it. I've never made my own before but I'm collecting stuffing recipes and will have a stuffing feast one day soon. This one looks awesome!
eatme, you definitely should have a stuffing feast of your own soon.