Holiday Avocado Stuffing

Source: California Fresh Avocados

Instead of falling back on the usual casserole, try an elegant twist with Holiday Avocado Stuffing to impress your guests. This colorful recipe combines traditional stuffing ingredients ­ onion, celery, stuffing mix -- with fresh avocados, an unexpected twist. Cooked avocado adds new dimension to conventional stuffing and its mild, nutty flavor becomes more prevalent when heated.

2 Tbsp butter
¾ Cup chopped onion
¾ Cup chopped celery
½ Cup chopped red bell pepper
¼ Cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
2 Tbsp chopped parsley leaves
6 oz prepared stuffing mix
2 firm ripe avocados, seeded, peeled and cubed

In skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and parsley; sauté for 4 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir in pecans, stuffing mix, water (according to package directions) and avocado. Grease a 1-quart casserole and spoon in stuffing. Bake in preheated 350ƒF oven for 20 to 25 minutes until top is lightly browned and stuffing is heated through. Serve.

Cook's Note: It is recommended that stuffing be prepared in a casserole dish rather than stuffed into a turkey to assure food safety.