Classic Oyster Dressing

Recipe

• 2 cups oysters, drained, liquid reserved
• 6 cups French bread, cut into small cubes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 375° F.

Toast bread until golden brown. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan. Lightly sauté celery and onion. Add poultry seasoning, thyme, salt and pepper.

Place 4 cups of bread in a large bowl. Crumble the remaining 2 cups of bread and place in a bowl. Combine with the vegetable-seasoning mix.

Add oysters and egg and toss lightly.

Add reserved oyster liquid until stuffing is moist, but not packed.

Place in greased baking pan and bake, uncovered, at 375° F until done and crusty outside, about 30-40 minutes.

Contributed by Joyce Taylor MM2