Ben's Stuffing and Life and Trees

The Famous Ben Stuffing

Very labor intensive, but most of the chopping can be done the 

day before, but Ben said he likes the idea of the work 

"on the day".

We enjoyed mimosas while HE worked.

The pooches were at his feet all morning

hoping for an errant nibble.

In the center pic you can even see Justice standing

by while he texted.

*******

1 3/4 pounds sweet Italian sausages, casings removed

5 to 6 TB butter

2 1/2 fennel bulbs, chopped

1 1/4 pounds onions, chopped

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 1/4 pounds firm but ripe Bosc pears, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 large red bell peppers, chopped

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried marjoram

2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 loaf sourdough bread cubed

3/4 cup dry white wine

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread bread on 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Bake until just golden, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to very large bowl. Set aside.

Cook Italian sausage in large pot over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up pieces with back of fork, about 12 minutes. 

Using slotted spoon, transfer to small bowl. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in same large pot over medium-high heat. 

Add chopped fennel, onions and fennel seeds. Sauté until fennel and onions are tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes. 

Reduce heat to medium. Add pears, bell peppers and herbs. Sauté until pears and peppers are just tender, about 10 minutes. 

Add wine and boil until most liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. 

Add sausage and fennel mixture to bread cubes. Season stuffing to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter 13x9x2-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish. Add enough broth to stuffing to moisten (about 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups.) Transfer stuffing to prepared dish and dot stuffing with 2 tablespoons butter before baking. Cover with buttered foil, buttered side down; bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is crisp and golden, about 20 minutes longer. Top with fennel fronds, if desired, and serve.

( I took the fennel tops and stuffed them inside my bird)

My brother Scott and his wife Crystal have

 a wonderful mini tree farm.

It is located on the lot next to their home in 

New Castle PA.

Each year Scott tends and trims these trees to perfection.

Look at these beautifully shaped trees.

Only Blue Spruce for them,

and only $20.00!

Those are not lala land prices!

Offspring of the folks 

who bought 20 years ago are now coming to

buy these beautiful Blue Spruce trees,

family traditions established and nurtured.

Nurtured in the nursery

for future generations..

Absolutely worth the drive if you are

 anywhere within the Pittsburgh area.

Please remember to tell them I sent ya...

and give em a big hug for me.

If you wish to call and check ahead, email me.

Also please check out Maynard Greenhouse

here and here if you haven't already.

If you are passing through, or live within

a nice long drive,

Maynard Greenhouse is a Must 

stop for Carole's Christmas shop and 

their Christmas trees have arrived also.

Give George and Carole my love and pet Petey

and the kitties.

Filled with love and gratitude today.

My son is still here visiting, he is asleep upstairs.

The joy I feel when the kids are under my roof,

asleep and happy and safe at home.

I am blessed with a great family 

and friends here and in blog land.

sigh...

Do you ever have those days 

where you just want to hug yourself with joy?

Life is good.

Difficult at times, but good.

Z