Chestnut Stuffing
Serves 6

1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced onions
2 large eggs
1/4 cup chicken stock (or water)
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed Italian bread
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 apple, diced
1 cup chopped chestnuts (peel first)
1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add celery, carrots and onions; cook until softened, about 5-10 minutes. While vegetables are cooking, combine eggs, stock, salt and pepper together and whisk until well combined. In a large bowl, toss together the bread with the vegetable mixture, liquid ingredients, melted butter, apples, chestnuts, sage and rosemary. Put stuffing into an oven safe dish and press down into an even layer. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or stuff into chicken breasts or whole turkey and cook accordingly. (Note: I like to spoon turkey drippings over the top of the dressing before serving to flavor and moisten it.)

Kumquat and Cranberry Relish
Serves 6

1 cup kumquats, quartered
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 whole cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon port wine, optional

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer until the cranberries and kumquats have broken down and relish has thickened, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon and star anise, add wine and let cool before serving.