Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing

(This makes enough for 10-12 pound turkey, or a nice pan of dressing.)

¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter

2 cups chopped onion

½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (I use baby bellas and regular white ones)

1 cup sliced celery

8 cups fresh white bread cubes (1 loaf)

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

*I also throw in dried cherries or Craisins & walnuts or pecans

½ cup chicken broth

1 large egg

In 8 quart saucepan, melt butter.  Add onion, mushrooms & celery; sauté until just tender.  Remove from heat.

Add bread cubes, parsley, salt, basil, poultry seasoning, and pepper to regular mixture; toss to mix lightly.  Add fruit and nuts, if desired.

Beat together broth and egg.  Add to bread mixture and toss until well mixed.  Stuff turkey or spoon into greased 2 quart casserole; cover tightly with foil and bake at 325 degrees about 30 minutes.

Can be prepared the night before but don’t stuff into the turkey until just before roasting.