By Jake Huffcutt —

Seasons greetings to you, family black sheep and/or Thanksgiving food aficionado! There is a holiday that has been gaining popularity in recent years that is just for you: Friendsgiving.

Friendsgiving is the type of holiday for those of us who are unable to go home for Thanksgiving, would like to double the amount of turkey we consume or would simply like to put aside some time for friends during this period of thanks. The idea has been catching on as more people emphasize the philosophy that friends are the family that we choose, so why should we neglect to express our gratitude for these loved ones on this holiday?

Typically a Friendsgiving gathering occurs on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the Friday after, but it is completely acceptable to celebrate at any point over the break.

One core tradition surrounding this holiday is that every friend brings a separate dish, potluck style, to a host’s apartment, house, dorm room, etc.  This is all well and good, but what about those of us who can’t make a half-decent supper to save our lives, let alone a Thanksgiving-style dish? Well never fear! Before you attend your next Friendsgiving social, make sure you take a look at these easy and cheap recipes that are sure to win your friends over.

One recipe that Caitlin Huchinson, the PR Associate Account Executive of The Association for Dressings & Sauces, offers is a recipe for Turkey and Stuffing Bake.

What you’ll need are:

1 4-½ oz. Jar Sliced mushrooms

¼ cup Butter or margarine

½ cup Diced celery

½ cup Chopped onion

1 ¼ cup Ranch dressing, divided

⅔ cup Water

3 cups Seasoned stuffing mix

⅓ cup Sweetened dried cranberries

3 cups (about 1 Lb.) Coarsely shredded cooked turkey

Instructions:

  1. Drain mushrooms, reserving the liquid; then set it aside.
  2. Melt butter over medium high heat in a large skillet.
  3. Add celery and onions; then cook for 4 minutes or until soft.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup dressing, water and reserved mushroom liquid.
  5. Stir in stuffing mix and cranberries until thoroughly moistened.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine turkey, mushrooms and remaining ¾ cup dressing; spread evenly in greased 8-inch baking dish.
  7. Top with stuffing mixture, then bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until bubbly and brown. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

You can find more Friendsgiving recipes on the Dressing-Sauces website at http://dressings-sauces.org/category/main-course-recipes-featuring-dressings-and-sauces.

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