Turkey And Dressing. Mrs. U. F. Seffner. Recipe

History of Turkey and Dressing Recipe:

Turkey and Dressing is a classic dish that is often associated with holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving. It has a rich history that dates back to the early days of American settlement. The tradition of roasting a turkey for special occasions can be traced back to the Pilgrims, who likely learned the technique from Native Americans.

In the early 19th century, cookbooks began to include recipes for turkey and dressing, which were often passed down through generations of families. Mrs. U. F. Seffner, mentioned in the recipe, was likely a home cook who enjoyed preparing this delicious dish for her loved ones.

Fun Facts about Turkey and Dressing:

- The turkey is one of the oldest known domesticated animals and has been consumed by humans for centuries.
- Benjamin Franklin famously praised the turkey for its noble character and suggested it should be the national bird of the United States.
- The term "dressing" refers to the mixture of bread, seasonings, and other ingredients that is used to stuff the turkey.
- While turkey and dressing is commonly associated with Thanksgiving, it is also enjoyed year-round for special occasions and family gatherings.

Now, let's dive into Mrs. U. F. Seffner's recipe for Turkey and Dressing:

Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (approximately 12-15 pounds)
- 1 and a half loaves of stale bread (preferably from a baker)
- 1 white onion
- 1 egg-sized lump of butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Flour for dredging
- 1 cup water

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Before cooking the turkey, make sure it is well cleaned and washed.
3. Season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
4. Crumble the stale bread into fine crumbs and set aside.
5. In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Cut the white onion into small pieces and add it to the melted butter. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent, but avoid browning it.
7. Stir in the bread crumbs, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture heat thoroughly. This will be the dressing for the turkey.
8. Stuff the turkey with the prepared dressing and place it in a roasting pan.
9. Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper, and dredge it with flour.
10. Pour one cup of water into the roasting pan to help keep the turkey moist as it cooks.
11. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or aluminum foil to create a sealed environment.
12. Bake the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
13. Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
14. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.

Note: This recipe serves as a basic guideline, and you can add your own personal touch by incorporating herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to the dressing.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

- Roast Chicken with Stuffing: If you prefer a smaller bird, you can use a whole chicken instead of a turkey and follow the same preparation and cooking method. The stuffing can be made using the same recipe, or you can experiment with different herbs and seasonings.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: This recipe takes the concept of stuffing a turkey and applies it to bell peppers. The filling typically consists of a mixture of rice, ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. The stuffed peppers are then baked until tender and delicious.
- Stuffed Squash: Another variation is to stuff squash with a bread or rice-based filling. This dish can be made using various squash varieties, such as acorn squash or butternut squash. The filling can include ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and cheese, creating a flavorful vegetarian option.

Remember, the key to a successful turkey and dressing dish lies in the slow cooking process and ensuring that the flavors of the stuffing meld together with the tender turkey meat. Enjoy this timeless recipe and savor the flavors of tradition and togetherness that it brings to any special occasion.