Stuffing

So I know we just had Thanksgiving and that many of you prefer the easy route of making stuffing from a box but we also have stuffing Christmas day so I thought I would post my recipe for stuffing. Now believe me this stuffing is way better than anything you can get from a box and it is all homemade (well except the veggies). Now you can take a short cut and use already made stuffing cubes or day old french bread from the store and it will be great but if you have time use one of your favorite white bread recipes and make bread a few days before and make it with that. I got many rave reviews and even one comment from a friend that he could never eat any other stuffing again. Now I am not trying to toot my own horn I am just trying to get you to go make this stuffing and get you away from the boxed stuff!!!

Stuffing(makes 1-9x13 and 1-8x8pan)
2 loaves french bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes(about 15 cups bread cubes)
1 stick butter, plus more for top when baking
1 T. olive oil
8 stalks celery, diced small
2 onions, diced small
1-2 T. minced garlic(I use a lot because if you haven't already noticed we love garlic)
3-4 cups chicken broth(depending on how moist you like it)
1 tsp poultry seasoning
2 T. dried parsley or 6 T fresh parsley chopped
2 tsp dried sage
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on rimmed baking sheets. Toast in oven until golden about 20 minutes, tossing once during that time. Melt the butter with the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the celery, onions, garlic, pinch of salt and cook until veggies are soft. Mix the toasted bread crumbs with the veggies. Stir in the seasonings and chicken broth. Taste to see if it needs more salt. Then place in greased pans. Put pats of butter over the top of each pan. Cover with foil and bakd for 25 minutes , an uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more or until your desired crispyness is reached. I like mine crispy but a lot of people like their moist so cook it less if you like it moist. Enjoy!!

Note: you can also stuff a turkey with it. Just stuff it inside the turkey right after you mix everything together instead of baking it.