Dressing or Stuffing? The Choice is Yours
Dressing or Stuffing – The Choice is Yours
A traditional Thanksgiving meal in the U.S.A usually consist of turkey with a side dish of ”dressing,” or “stuffing.” Basically it’s the same thing, but the term and the recipes vary from region to region.
I enjoy a variety of interests but two of my favorites are food and culture. Where the two meet, makes for some interesting conversation. I can usually tell where a person is from simply by what they prefer to eat or not eat. It’s always fun to introduce new foods to friends and family. Their reactions are unique and sometimes priceless!
We are all creatures of habit. We like what we like, and nothing says that more than what is on our Thanksgiving tables. So the choice is yours. You decide. Will you be serving “dressing,” or “stuffing?”
Either way, I have no doubt it’s become a family tradition. Your grandma made it. Your mom made it, and now you’re teaching your kids the very same recipe. So, here’s my salute to one of our favorite holiday side dishes. Dressing or stuffing? Doesn’t matter. It’s all good!
East Coast Bread Stuffing
Traditional East Coast stuffing is just that. It’s a moist breadstuffing seasoned with the carrots, onions and celery, usually stuffed and cooked in the bird. If you are from New England, then it’s probably oyster stuffing you enjoy. However, I’ve also seen it seasoned with bacon or sausage and apples.
California Style Stuffing
The West Coast tends to go a little bit healthier with their version of ” stuffing.” They too might include oysters or sausage. The recipealmost always includes dried fruit, apples, walnuts or pecans.
Not too surprising that in the deep south, southern hospitality is dished up with a big helping of cornbread dressing, cooked outside the bird flavored with sage and lots of celery and onion.
However, I was surprised to learn that cornbread “dressing” is also what the mid-western and the plain states serve. If I had stopped to think about it, that shouldn’t be so surprising. Think about it. Most of America’s corn is grown in the Mid-west and plain states! If you have it, use it!
With that in mind, there’s a lot of wild rice growing inMinnesota.That part of the region is known for its wild rice stuffing, (usually with mushrooms.)
The Cultural Melting Pot
As I was researching the different varieties and recipes across the regions. I came across several people that say they have both. As families blend and cultures inter-twine from generation to generation, it’s not uncommon to see two kinds of “stuffing” or ”dressing” on the table. One grand-mother might cook her famous chestnut oyster stuffing in the bird, while Aunt Gertie from Oklahoma swears by her must have pan of cornbread dressing andgiblet gravy. It’s a no brainer to keep from having a family feud. Have both! “Stuffing,” or “dressing?” The choice is yours!
Please share with us what’s on your Thanksgiving table this year. We’d love to hear where you’re from, you’re favorite recipe and whether or not you prefer stuffing, dressing or both!
