The most important part about cooking thanksgiving dinner is not to panic. It’s about bringing family and friends together. Here’s my top 12 list for a successful and great thanksgiving:
1. Organize a few days ahead:
a. Make a list of what you want to make.
b. Create a time chart of when you can do things like grocery shop and food prep.
2. Find really good recipes:
a. Make sure you try them ahead of time.
3. Set the table the day before (in my search box you can keyword table setting to find out how to set a table).
4. Find appropriate cooking dishes for all items that will be cooked that day.
a. For instance, don’t wait until the last minute to find out you don’t have a roasting pan for the turkey.
5. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the turkey to cook. If you have never used the oven before it may not be calibrated – check in advance. And make sure the turkey will fit in your oven!
6. Ask Questions:
a. The butcher will help you with the amount of time a turkey will need to cook depending on the weight of the bird (this is not something you want to guess about). A stuffed bird will take longer!
7. Have people bring things, or have them help you cook.
8. You can use pre-made things as-is, or dress them up a bit on your own to make it easier.
9. When it comes time to serve, be aware that the meal should be set out buffet style. Is it ok if the turkey is room temperature. It is nearly impossible to keep such a bird piping hot after cooking it.
10. Use the www.cookingwithmary.blogspot.com website for any questions.
11. Remember, don’t panic! Open up a bottle of Champagne and toast yourself for doing an excellent job – no matter what the end product looks like!
12. Happy Thanksgiving!
