Orange Rosemary Bread Stuffing

Thanksgiving is nearly here...
and I'm dying to share with you one of my favorite recipes.

This is the best stuffing I've ever had, only I never really loved stuffing until I tried this. It's an evolution from several different recipes-- my mom and I perfected it together one year when we spent Thanksgiving together. I get excited about making it every year!

Be sure to cut the bread into cubes (we like them about 1 inch square) a day or two ahead of time and leave them out to dry. You can also assemble it the day before Thanksgiving to lighten your load on the big day.  Just place it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator overnight... this will help to blend flavors.

10 cups bread cut into cubes and dried out (We like Costco's Rosemary Bread)

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

2 cloves garlic minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup orange juice

1 cup chopped fresh parsley

4 tsp orange zest

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 tsp dried marjoram crushed

1 cup craisins

Saute onion, celery, and garlic in butter.

In a large mixing bowl combine dried bread cubes with orange zest, parsley, cranberries and seasonings.

In a small bowl stir chicken broth, water, and orange juice. Then add onion/celery mixture. Toss with the bread mixture. You may add more broth at this point if you like your stuffing more moist.

Bake uncovered (along side the turkey if you'd like) at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes, or an hour if it has been chilled . Take a peek toward the end of the baking time to be sure it doesn't dry out.

Serves 8-10.

The combination of orange juice and zest to this recipe adds a flavor and aroma that is simply divine.  Check back on Monday for the Turkey Glaze that will seal the deal that this is sure to be the best tasting Thanksgiving you've ever experienced!