Family connections forged through love — and stuffing

When Sharyn Doutt's new father-in-law made her mother's signature stuffing, she knew she'd joined a good family.

Hoptown Chronicle asked our readers to share stories and recipes that illuminate the Thanksgiving traditions in their families. The response was tremendous. Whether you decide to try some of the recipes or you just soak up the stories, we think you’ll enjoy this series. The stories range from poignant to heart-warming to hilarious. Enjoy.

Sharyn Doutt’s mother’s signature stuffing recipe “literally upstages the bird,” she told Hoptown Chronicle.

A U.S. Army veteran, she was stationed in Korea when she set out for California to get married and meet her in-laws — and the meal made her feel right at home.

“My father-in-law made a turkey for the engagement party and he made the same recipe stuffing,” she told said. “I knew I was in a good family!”


Ma Vivona’s Stuffing

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound of Jimmy Dean’s sage or regular sausage (Don’t skimp! This is a main ingredient.)
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, seeded and diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 handful of raisins or craisins
  • 2 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1 bag of stuffing cubes, seasoned or plain, or cornbread

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Brown the sausage until no longer pink.
  2. Add onion and apple and cook until tender. Add raisins. Add stuffing cubes. Stir everything.
  3. Add chicken stock and fold in gently, moistening everything. You may need to add more liquid depending on how much stuffing you used.
  4. The stuffing should be fluffy, not wet. You can now put the stuffing into the turkey or in a baking pan.
  5. Cover to keep warm.
  6. Before serving, uncover and warm in the oven. Serve with your turkey.  
Hoptown Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news outlet that is dedicated to providing fair, fact-based reporting for people who care about Hopkinsville, Kentucky. We believe that public service journalism serves the community's social, cultural and economic wellbeing by fostering knowledge, connection and meaning.