How to Cook for a First Thanksgiving
The first thing to think about when you want to entertain the entire family for your first Thanksgiving dinner is what to cook. There is the obligatory turkey, but there are hosts of other dishes, side dishes and desserts that can be added. Consider costs, space and your cooking ability when you plan your family dinner. Think about how many people you will be feeding and how much space you have to store leftovers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pots and pans
- Turkey
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Desserts
- Serving spoons
- Knives and forks
- Plates
- Seasonings
Instructions
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Buy a turkey that is large enough to ensure everyone gets plenty. Average turkeys weigh from 16 to 22 pounds, so consider how many people will want more than a few slices. If it is frozen, give it plenty of time to thoroughly defrost. Wash the turkey inside and out with cold water. Do not forget to remove the giblets from inside. There are usually two packs of innards inside a turkey---one in the back end and one at the neck end. Cook the turkey according to the label instructions, which indicate how long it will need for each pound it weighs.
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2
Make stuffing using apple and herbs, or sage and onion, or sausage. Find a good recipe for stuffing and note that it can be made up to two days in advance.
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3
Prepare your vegetables the day before, if you don't have time on the morning of Thanksgiving. Potatoes can be peeled and left in a large saucepan of cold water to stop them from turning gray. Root vegetables can be treated the same way as potatoes and left in a saucepan of cold water.
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Buy enough ham to supplement the turkey dinner as well as feed those who are not fond of turkey.
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5
Make your mashed potatoes on the morning of Thanksgiving so they stay fluffy. You can make them the day before, if you are pushed for time, but on the day is better.
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Make enough gravy for all your guests. Turkey gravy can be bought in packet or granule form. Choose one that will be easiest for you but just as tasty, if you do not know how to make gravy from scratch.
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Make a dessert that will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days before and after Thanksgiving. Simple desserts such as cheesecake or apple pie can be made in advance to save time and can be used the day after.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you have enough pots and pans to cope with the cooking. Do not overstretch yourself or aim to do too much. This is your first Thanksgiving, so don't create too much work for yourself. It can be stressful pleasing all your guests. Also, make sure you have enough chairs for people and a large table space.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
