The Stuffing Dilemma: Traditional or Funky?

Though many write about "How to make great stuffing" or "Making Stuffing Better than Grandma's," or whatever secret recipe they have for the perfect stuffing, I'm going to discuss what makes stuffing good. As the foodies take over television networks, blogosphere, and cookbooks, it would seem that new, funky types of stuffing may take root in American holiday meals. I'm thinking cranberry stuffing with walnuts and goat cheese (I really need to create that recipe), perhaps a stuffing that uses artisan breads, tropical fruits, and of course the foodie favorite: bacon.

Many, however, could backlash-is it really Thanksgiving dinner with stuffing flavored like a Pina Colada? Can the integrity of a Christmas ham be supplemented by a side that tastes nothing like growing up? I know a number of people that freak out when I infringe on something as harmless as coleslaw (who puts mango in coleslaw?). With holiday meals being the esteemed symbol of tradition, what would you do? Do you let your creative juices flow and come up with a dinner that breaks the mold, or do you try to enhance the standard flavors and enjoy it reminiscing of delicious Novembers past when your mother, aunt, sister-in-law, or grandmother gave you the recipe?

My boyfriend would poo-poo anything that didn't taste like home, and yet I feel that stuffing has so much potential, so much unrealized talent and creativity. My mother swears by stuffing that sneakily uses half cornbread for a sweeter taste, and I have enjoyed it for years on end. So what's a poor gal to do in the face of a Turkey dinner with ambivalent views on the subject?

There are a few ways you can tackle the stuffing dilemma:

Shameless Foodie Rigor

One way is to say "Dash it all!" and go where your heart leads you. Sage may be boring after decades on this green planet. Perhaps you want your turkey joined by a citrus spice flavored stuffing using brioche. Perhaps your Greek side is bursting to come out and a parslied stuffing with Katamala olives and a splash of lemon juice sounds more fitting. If making something old into something new appeals to your imagination, this may be the route to take. There are only two rules for this approach, however: 1. Think of your crowd. If your 86 year old Great Aunt has supplied the stuffing for the last 66 years, sensitivity may be a must. Most importantly: 2. If you're going to mess with an old favorite, you have to do it right. Make it ahead of time, and make sure it's a crowd-pleaser.

Don't Fix What's Not Broken

Another approach is to stick to the basics. If you know it's good, why try and change it? There are always different techniques to improve upon the tried-and-true flavors of traditional stuffing. Try making your own chicken or turkey stock to pack a refined flavor into the stuffing. Rather than buying a boxed mix, perhaps you can go out and find your own day-old baguettes and make the stuffing from scratch. Use fresh herbs in place of dried and get organic produce to make your meal even a bit more flavorful and safe. There's nothing wrong with tweaking the recipe just a little bit as long as the integrity of the stuffing is maintained. Go above and beyond to heighten flavor and put those familiar smiles on the faces of those you love.

The Happy Medium

This is my preferred approach. Yes, you can please everyone-at least to some extent. Perhaps you decide to make two batches of stuffing, one traditional and one a bit unorthodox. I mean, you really can't have too much stuffing (leftovers are always a plus). If you don't feel like making extra stuffing, then opt instead for keeping the stuffing simple and jazzing up the other sides. There's no reason the cranberry sauce couldn't include those walnuts and goat cheese, and if you're anything like me you'll probably mix it all together on your plate before eating it anyway. The whole point of these gatherings is to celebrate family and unity, and to show appreciation for what we have been blessed to have (regardless of whether this is religious in nature). If you've been graced with a great passion for food and have a talent for cooking, let it shine through a fantastic meal you make for the family you are also grateful for-no matter what kind of stuffing you choose.

Enjoy!