Home for the Holidays – Thanksgiving

Let the excitement begin, the big day is almost here. Friends and family are coming Home for the Holidays. It is time for new traditions to begin….like hosting your first Thanksgiving.

In my previous post I went over the cooking schedule and how to plan for the overall event. Today we are going to go over the preparation for the meal. A quick review of what you need to do…..

Plan Your Cooking Schedule, here are a few reminders…

• What needs to roast and for how long?
• What will stay hot? How long? 
• What do you need to cook just before serving?

Plan Your Serving Platters and Utensils

Plan the pots and pans you will need to use the day of the event

Day Before

• Make sure your turkey has thawed completely in the refrigerator. 
• Review your Shopping List. Purchase perishable items and any other items you will need for tomorrow.
• Cook your pies, they will remain fresh for tomorrow. You can warm them in the oven tomorrow after you shut off the stove. I like to put them in after I take the turkey out and shut off the heat, using the residual heat to warm the pies while we eat. 
• Prepare any items you can in advance, e.g., casserole, potatoes (yes, you can prepare them, mash them, and reheat them tomorrow), some people prepare a roux for the gravy in advance. 
• Prepare for leftovers, there will be plenty, and where to store them. There are some great leftover recipes to follow on Friday.

Thanksgiving Day

• Start to cook the turkey. 
• Be sure to TAKE OUT the giblets, the bag inside the cavity of the turkey. This is the number one first time Thanksgiving mistake.

Follow your cooking plan. 

• If you prepared casseroles, potatoes, or any other sides in advance, put them in the oven at the appropriate time to cook and be warm for serving time.
• Prepare salad(s) and any other perishable items.
• Keep an eye on the turkey temperature of 165 degrees. 
• Bake any dinner rolls or bread.
• Prepare the gravy.
• Eat and Enjoy a wonderful meal together.

Look forward to a great Thanksgiving meal. Happy Thanksgiving.  God bless you all.