Mary Berrys 2022 Apricot Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist For Your Holiday Feast

As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to the grand meals we'll share with family and friends. The centerpiece of many holiday tables is the roast, be it turkey, duck, or chicken, and the key to elevating that main dish to a new level of deliciousness often lies in its stuffing. Enter Mary Berry, the esteemed British food writer and television presenter, who, with her vast culinary expertise, has given us a unique and flavorful stuffing recipe for 2022 - the Apricot Stuffing. This stuffing not only promises to enhance your holiday feast but also introduces a delightful twist with the inclusion of dried apricots and other delectable ingredients.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Before diving into the recipe, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for Mary Berry's Apricot Stuffing:

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• 400g dried apricots
• 50g butter, plus extra for greasing
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 300g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 175g good-quality pork sausage meat
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 apple, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparing The Stuffing

Step 1: Preparing the Apricots

<p>Start by covering the dried apricots with boiling water in a bowl. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Then, drain and roughly chop them.</p>

Step 2: Sautéing the Base

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• Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add the onions and cook gently for 5-6 minutes until they are translucent and starting to soften.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 3: Mixing All Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, sausage meat, chopped sage, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and grated apple.
• Add the softened onions, garlic, and chopped apricots to the mixture. Season well with salt and pepper.

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• Mix everything together thoroughly. This can be done by hand, which is a great way to feel the texture as you combine the ingredients.

<p class="pro-note">👩‍🍳 Note: If you find the mixture too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of apricot soaking water to moisten it.</p>

Stuffing Your Bird or Baking Separately

Stuffing the Bird

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• Spoon the stuffing mixture into the neck end of your bird. Don't overstuff; the stuffing will expand as it cooks. Secure the opening with a skewer or kitchen string.

<p class="pro-note">👀 Note: Remember to adjust the stuffing volume based on the size of your bird to ensure even cooking.</p>

Baking Separately

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• If you prefer not to stuff the bird or are baking a different main dish, you can cook the stuffing separately. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, Gas 4). Grease a baking dish and press the stuffing into it.

• Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Why This Stuffing?

Mary Berry's Apricot Stuffing stands out for several reasons:

• Flavour Explosion: The combination of sweet apricots, savory sausage meat, and herbs creates a harmonious flavor profile that complements the richness of holiday roasts.
• Texture: The mixture of breadcrumbs, sausage, and grated apple provides an excellent textural contrast that adds to the mouthfeel.
• Versatility: This stuffing can be used inside your bird, baked separately, or even shaped into patties for a festive side dish.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing is delicious on its own but can be paired with various elements to elevate your holiday feast:

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• Gravy: A rich, homemade gravy complements the stuffing beautifully.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce can cut through the richness, providing a delightful contrast.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Don't forget to let the stuffing rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.</p>

The essence of Mary Berry's 2022 Apricot Stuffing lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors that resonate with the holiday spirit. It's a testament to how traditional ingredients can be used innovatively to bring a new dimension to familiar dishes. Whether you're serving a classic roast or exploring other holiday entrees, this stuffing will infuse your meal with a delightful twist, ensuring your feast is remembered fondly for years to come.

As you gather around the table with loved ones, this stuffing will not only tantalize their taste buds but also serve as a conversation starter about how a few simple changes can make a big difference in our festive meals. So, this holiday season, let Mary Berry's Apricot Stuffing be the star of your holiday table, offering comfort, joy, and a unique flavor experience.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even pulse gluten-free bread to make your own crumbs for a gluten-free version.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can the stuffing be stored?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If baked separately, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When stuffed inside the bird, consume or freeze within 24 hours for safety reasons.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can this stuffing be frozen?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze it both before and after baking. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the refrigerator before using.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What other fruits can I substitute for apricots?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While apricots give a unique flavor, you can experiment with dried cherries, cranberries, or even prunes for a different taste profile.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>