My rendition of holiday roast stuffing oozes festive cheer with flavor and nutrition to boot.

Every friend, family member and dining guest I’ve prepared this for always ask what’s hiding in this heavenly, flavor packed stuffing. My signature stuffing blends a harmonious combination of fluffy gluten free couscous, fresh aromatic herbs, crunchy roasted nuts and sweet assorted dried fruit. Dried fruit is so plentiful in the Golden State. Ripened, dried and raisinated by California’s glorious Indian summers. Keep an eye out for organic dried fruit, which isn’t artificially sulfur dried. I made this stuffing for the first time 3 years ago filling a succulent rolled pork roast (pictured) as is tradition for an Australian summer Christmas lunch. I have since refined it adding more and more attitude and character to the recipe. My recipe is open to your changes to make it your own. You may consider raisins, I am so excited to share it with Sommelier Choice readers as we roll into the holiday season. Do as Australians do, and uncorked a cheery, festive bottle of sparkling red wine.

Ingredients:

2 cups             dried couscous

2 cups             chicken or vegetable broth (or 1 bouillon cube made up to packet directions)

½ cup             mixed fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, thyme, dill, chives) (the more variety the better)

¼ cup             dried apricots

¼ cup             dried cranberries

¼ cup             dried mission figs

¼ cup             macadamia nuts

¼ cup             almonds

1 tbsp   shallots, finely diced

½ tsp  fennel seeds

½ tsp kosher salt (to taste, be wary that broth may already contain high salt)

¼ tsp ground black pepper

zest     one lemon or orange

Author: Timothy Neumann

 - Sommeliers Choice Awards Multicultural Food and Wine Ambassador

Tim is an Australian food and wine writer and accredited nutritionist. When cooking, Tim loves using healthy, local ingredients accented with bold multicultural flavors. Discover Tim’s endless recipes and multicultural food ideas on Instagram @tc_neumann or through Beverage Trade Network articles.