Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

4 slices applewood-smoked bacon chopped

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

3/4 cup chopped onion

8 cups cubed cornbread (1 inch)

1 tablespoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup half-and-half

1 egg

Step-by-Step

1. Heat oven to 3500F. Spray 11 x 7 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon, celery and onion 12 to 15 minutes or until bacon is browned and vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, combine cornbread, sage, salt and pepper in large bowl; gently toss with bacon mixture. Whisk half-and-half and egg in small bowl; pour over cornbread mixture. Stir gently to combine; spoon into baking dish. (Stuffing can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minute to baking time, if necessary.)
3. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned and hot.

* I don't usually have half-and-half so I use heavy cream and milk.
** If the mixture looks too dry you can add a little chicken broth or more milk

Shredded Potatoes au Gratin

Ingredients:
4 cups (1 lb) refrigerated shredded hash-brown potatoes or frozen hash-brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups whipping cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced green onions (about 4 medium)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray four 1 cup ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine the hash-brown potatoes, cream, 1 1/4 cup cheddar, the onions, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well
3. Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Back until bubble and golden brown and the potatoes are cooked, 35-45 minutes