The best stuffing ever...

That's what we had yesterday. I tried Pioneer Woman's stuffing and IT WAS FABULOUS! I halved the recipe since there are only three of us and because we didn't have a turkey in which to stuff it, I used a cast iron skillet. I really think the cast iron skillet is key to making this the best out-of-bird stuffing EVER.

I sauteed the onions and celery in the skillet first, then after mixing all the ingredients in a big bowl, I put it into the skillet which was still a bit buttery and baked it in a hot oven for 1/2 hour.  (Yes, I turned the oven on because it wasn't that hot yesterday; only in the 80s.)

It was a late night supper rather than mid-day meal since right about noon we received the message that our dear friend, Juan Colle, had passed away on Thursday. They do not embalm here (and Juan was being cremated anyway) so they have the funeral the very next day. Even if it's Christmas.

Since we're in Sta. Rosa, and it takes a good two hours to get back to Cordoba where the funeral was being held, Ivan had just enough time to change clothes and go. He was actually too late for the funeral, but managed (with the help of a friend) to catch up with the automobile procession to the "graveside" service [what DO you call that when there's no burial?].

We imagine Juan having a wonderful Christmas with Christ! But do remember his family in prayer, please. Even though this has been coming for some time, that doesn't make it any easier.

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We've discovered that sitting on the front porch affords better internet connection. Now if we could only get the bugs to "bug off". But it means -- hopefully -- that I shouldn't have too much trouble adding the last of the photos for tomorrow's final, end-of-the-year Project 365 post. See you back here then.