Bread Stuffing for Turkey (Works Well with Chicken Also)

A Busy Mom's Simple Joys: Bread Stuffing and Family Time

The aroma of roasting turkey, the warmth of the oven, the happy chatter of family – Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and my heart is already full. As a busy mom, juggling work, kids' activities, and the general chaos of daily life, I cherish these moments of togetherness more than anything. And what's Thanksgiving without the comforting classics? This year, I'm going back to my roots, making my mom's famous bread stuffing, a dish that brings back a flood of childhood memories.

There's something magical about simple recipes, the kind passed down through generations. They're not just about the food, they're about the love and tradition that goes into every step. My mom’s stuffing isn't fancy, it doesn't have any exotic ingredients, but it's perfect in its simplicity. Just good old-fashioned bread, celery, onion, butter, and a touch of seasoning. It's the taste of home, the taste of comfort, the taste of Thanksgiving.

I remember watching my mom in the kitchen as a little girl, her hands deftly chopping vegetables, her face glowing with the warmth of the oven. She would let me help tear the bread into cubes, a task I took very seriously, feeling like an important part of the Thanksgiving preparations. The smell of the stuffing baking, mingling with the aroma of the roasting turkey, would fill the house, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Now, as a mom myself, I find myself recreating those same traditions with my own children. They love helping me in the kitchen, just like I helped my mom. We gather around the table, sharing stories, laughing, and creating new memories. It’s in these simple moments, surrounded by the people I love, that I find true joy. Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a celebration of family, a time to reflect on our blessings, and a reminder of the simple things that make life so beautiful.

This year, I'm making a few small tweaks to my mom's recipe. I'm using oatmeal bread for a heartier texture, and adding a touch of fresh ground pepper for a little extra kick. But the essence of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the enduring power of simple, home-cooked meals.

Beyond the Thanksgiving feast, I’m trying to embrace simplicity in other aspects of my life. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but I’m learning to slow down, to appreciate the small moments, to find joy in the ordinary. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a walk in the park with my kids, or simply sitting down to a family dinner, I'm finding that the simplest things are often the most meaningful.

So, as Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage you to embrace the simple joys. Spend time with loved ones, savor the flavors of the season, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And don’t forget to try my mom’s bread stuffing – it’s a taste of home that’s sure to warm your heart.

Sometimes, in the midst of our busy lives, we forget the importance of slowing down and appreciating the little things. We get caught up in the pursuit of bigger, better, faster, and we lose sight of the simple pleasures that truly make life rich. For me, that simple pleasure is the time spent with my family, especially around the holidays. It's the warmth of the oven, the aroma of roasting turkey and stuffing, and the sound of laughter filling the house. These are the moments that I cherish, the moments that make all the craziness of life worthwhile.

This Thanksgiving, I’m making a conscious effort to be more present, to savor each moment, and to create lasting memories with my loved ones. I'm putting away my phone, turning off the TV, and focusing on connecting with the people around me. Because at the end of the day, it's not the fancy gifts or the elaborate decorations that matter, it's the love, the laughter, and the shared experiences that truly make the holidays special.

So, as you gather with your family and friends this Thanksgiving, remember to take a moment to appreciate the simple joys. Savor the flavors of the season, cherish the time spent with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And don't forget to try my mom's bread stuffing - it's a simple recipe, but it's filled with love and tradition, and that's what makes it so special.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Step-by-step

• Melt the butter in a skillet and stir in the onion (we dont add the celery because we like it to keep its crunch, but you can cook it with the onion if you like). Cook over low heat until the onion is soft. Add this mixture to the cubed bread along with the celery and toss lightly with the seasonings. Add the chicken broth to taste.
• We don't add too much broth if we are cooking the stuffing in the turkey, but add more if we are cooking the stuffing in the oven. This recipe is enough for an 11 - 12 pound turkey. Make 1 and 1/2 times the recipe (or more) if your turkey is bigger or if you want extra stuffing. We have experimented with fancy stuffings but always come back to Moms in the end.