RECIPE: VEGAN "SAUSAGE" STUFFING

A few people emailed me asking for a healthier holiday stuffing recipe so I decided to post it. After all, there are wedding gowns and honeymoon attire to fit into! ;-)

This is the vegan version of my Mom's stuffing. Its an exact duplicate in flavor and texture. One year my version was accidentally set out on the table next to hers and no one noticed the difference. In fact, my bowl was finished off before hers. I have been cooking since I was 8 years old so I do things like my Nona...by feel. I don't measure things unless I am baking. Like love, cooking should express your personal tastes so experiment and enjoy.

This is best made the day before to let all the favors come out and blend. If you would like step -by - step photos, please go HERE I haven't figured out how to get photos into the body of the post yet.


Ingredients:

1 onion
1 bell pepper
few stalks of celery, sliced
package of mushrooms, sliced
1 apple or other fruit or raisins
handful of walnuts - optional
veggie broth - I use organic, low sodium
package of vegan sausage - or use Jimmy Dean real Italian sausage if you aren't vegan
bread and or cornbread cubes - note: go for the best you can find as far as ingredients or make your own. The prepackaged ones can contain so much bad stuff like high fructose corn syrup and sodium. Also, if you are vegan, they can contain animal ingredients. Seasoned or not seasoned...your choice. If you choose the unseasoned, just add extra seasoning later.

olive oil - about a tablespoon or so to saute in
minced garlic - a few cloves or a generous tablespoon or so out of the jar
Anise or Fennel seed
red pepper flakes
Bell's Poultry seasoning
black pepper
salt - optional...I dont use it.
white wine - optional...would be excellent in it


Saute the onion, mushroom, pepper, celery, apple and walnuts in a tablespoon or two of olive oil and the garlic. Saute just until the veggies release their liquid....about a minute or three.


Add the sausage in, breaking it up into small pieces. At first, the veggie sausage will be a little "mushy" but it firms to the same texture as real sausage as it cooks. If you find the veggies and sausage are starting to stick to the pan, add in a small amount of water or veggie broth. Add in a 1/2 teaspoon or so of either anise or fennel seed and a shake or two of red pepper flakes...this gives it the "Italian sauage" flavor. Saute all of this together until the sausage is nice and firm and in small pieces and the veggies are cooked. About 5-10 minutes. Its ok if the veggies are getting mushy.


Add a package of veggie broth...approx 4 cups....and a cup of wine if you are using it. Add a generous amount of the Bell's Poultry Seasoning. Honestly I just dump it in. Start with a generous tablespoon and add more to suit your own taste. Bring to a boil.


Add a package of stuffing cubes and mix well. If its too mushy add more cubes ... or add more broth if its too dry. I work with 2 packages of bread cubes and 2 packages of broth. I start using one of each then adjust texture using the second packages.



ENJOY!

Happy Holiday Season everyone.

How to Select the Right Wedding Photographer

There is a photographer who is “just right” for you. Perhaps you know him or her already, and regard him or her as a trusted member of your circle of friends or acquaintances. Or, perhaps you haven’t found him or her yet – but you intend to start looking “soon.”

Too many Brides wait until their wedding date is dangerously close before they are compelled to begin their search for a photographer. They forget that the stress of finding their perfect photographer would not have become a crisis if they had begun their search much earlier.

So, if you have your wedding date but you haven’t chosen your wedding photographer, here are three simple suggestions to help you select the one that is perfect for you.

1. Ask recently married friends and family members about their photographer. A great place to start is with a good recommendation and no better way to find out which ones to avoid.

2. Start calling photographers early! Good photographers fill their calendar up to a year in advance, especially for the popular wedding months. Photographers that are in high demand can be booked two years in advance.

3. Meet a few photographers, if you wish, before you make your choice – because mutual confidence is an important factor in this or any relationship. You are looking for one that you feel will take good care of your family and friends. If you feel you could become friends with this person, chances are you hit on a winner.

Once you have made your selection, don’t hesitate to talk things out frankly with your photographer – including your expectations and preferences. Your photographer will be able to tell you what is a realistic expectation and what isn’t. For instance, if you are planning an evening wedding and you have your heart set on beautiful outdoor portraits with your groom - but you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony - there has to be a discussion with your photographer about what is reasonable for that time of day.

Don’t forget to discuss fees. In establishing a sound relationship with your photographer, there should be no hesitancy in discussing fees...mutual understanding of the economics of wedding photography is most important and I encourage both bride and photographer to develop such an understanding. This prevents any surprises after the fact. Let’s face it, wedding photography fees are not inexpensive even if they do run the price gamut. You need to know what you are getting for your investment.

Keep in touch with your photographer. You don’t need to call on a daily basis but you do need to keep him or her “in the loop” so he or she is aware of the important details of your special day as they develop and how best to plan for them. Be especially sure to inform him or her of any changes. You should also be able to call upon your photographer for advice and to use him or her as a resource. Experienced photographers have seen many weddings and therefore many solutions to different wedding day challenges. Finally, you should approach him or her with any questions or concerns.

Remember, your photographer is capable of either helping you have the wedding day of your dreams or turning your day into a wedding nightmare. Take the time to choose one that is right for you. Happy planning!