Things You'll Need:
- Cookbooks or magazines
- paper and pen
- clear plastic sheet protectors
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Step 1
First thing's first: You need to decide on exactly what you will be cooking for your Thanksgiving dinner. And the earlier you decide on your recipes, the better and easier it wil be.
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Step 2
Scour cookbooks and magazines (I absolutely love Better Homes and Gardens and Bon Appetit Magazine for tips and recipes). Don't think that every single recipe or side dish has to be a show stopper, it's actually quite the opposite. If you are hosting a large group, it smarter to offer a few simple Thanksgiving staples that will appeal to everyone. And you don't want it to turn into the episode of Friends where Monica has to make 3 different kinds of potatoes to make everyone happy. Trust me, you'll drive yourself and everyone else nuts.
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Step 3
Of course you have to have a turkey, but if you're cooking for a small group (6 or less) a turkey breast or 2 will be plenty, and it involves a much simpler preparation. Choose a turkey recipe with a very simple rub or crust (think olive oil, butter, thyme, sage, salt and pepper slathered all over the skin of the bird. And NEVER EVER put stuffing inside your turkey. It's really hard to get the stuffing hot enough in the middle, and it can make a huge mess. Cook it separately in a cassarole dish.
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Step 4
So now that you've decided on the turkey recipe, let's move on to the side dishes. A potato dish is a must, so choose a family favorite or a simple recipe. If you are planning a month or more in advance, I strongly suggest testing out your recipes before the big day. Most potato dishes can be prepped the day before and held in the fridge until ready to cook. A stuffing recipe should be chosen. An easy cheat for homemade is to use store bought cornbread or cornbread muffins to make your stuffing (Rachel Ray has a great recipe). You'll need a green vegetable, so think steamed green beans with garlic and butter (easy!)Steam the green beans the day before, chill, and saute garlic in butter on the day of and toss in the green beans until heated through. So simple and yummy!
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Step 5
While your at it, take somee help from the grocery store. A store bought pie and cranberry sauce won't hurt anyone's feelings, and it'll make your life much easier. Now that you've chosen your recipes, make your shopping list. Don't forget to include coffee and cream/milk for after dinner, wine, sparkling grape juice or apple cider for non-drinkers and the kiddies, plastic wrap/foil/tupperware containers for sending leftovers home with guests, and some cheese and crackers for pre-dinner munchies. Organize your shopping list by the aisles in the grocery store to make it even easier. Double and triple check your list so you won't have to go back. Aim for shopping 4 days before the big day. Go very early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take advantage of just-stocked inventory. Also - clean out the fridge and pantry before you go shopping!
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Step 6
Now you're home from the market. Now is the time to make your Thanksgiving timeline. Study your recipes (put them in plastic sheet protectors so they don't get dirty during cooking, and you can magnet them to the fridge if you want to)and pick out the ones that can be made or prepped in advance. Prepare the turkey the night before, that way all you have to do is throw it in the oven. Write everything down in the order you will do it, and leave ample time for each step. Enlist the help of children and teens with simple tasks such as peeling potatoes, washing and trimmimg greens, or vacuuming (the'll be eating too, won't they?).
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Step 7
When you begin cooking, try to avoid distractions (close the kitchen door to drown out screaming football fans). Work your way through your recipes, and take quick breaks to keep your nerves calm. If you bought a pie from the store, put it in the oven when you take the turkey out, and turn off the oven (the pie will still get warm).
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Step 8
Let the turkey rest for 20 - 30 minutes with foil over it before you carve it. Use this time to transfer side dishes to serving bowls, set out silverware, etc. Setting up all the food buffet style is very homey and easier than trying to fit everything on the table. When it's time to eat, sit and relax! Enjoy the fact that you did it!
Comments
nlroth1 said
on 10/11/2009 Great ideas! You can also use iHost: Thanksgiving, an iphone app available on the App Store. It's an easy to use party planner that helps keep track of your guests, menu, recipes, budget, calendar and more.
It can also be used for planning other parties!