How to Doctor Up Store-Bought Stuffing

Who says packaged stuffing can't be delicious? Get the same great taste and flavor of homemade stuffing with the shortcut benefit of using a store-bought stuffing by adding one of these easy options below. Or, add one of these special touches to your own favorite homemade stuffing recipe for an even tastier version.

Dress up your store-bought packaged stuffing with one of these additions:

• 1 pound sliced mushrooms sauteed with salt, pepper, and minced garlic
   
• 1/2 cup each dried cranberries and coarsely chopped pecans
   
• 1 cup each chopped carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onions sauteed in olive oil until tender
   
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed and browned (turkey sausage is a lighter option)
   
• 3 fresh pears or apples (tart), skinned, cored, and chunked
   
• 1 cup raisins, also replacing the liquid the recipe calls for with apple juice
   

Use more or less based on your personal taste and how large of a batch you make. The amounts above are for a recipe that will feed 6-8 people.