PART 2: Thanksgiving is Almost Here
But we're down to the last mile marker so it's time to hit the gas
It’s time to focus, focus, focus. This post is part of a free series on how to prep for Thanksgiving Day. Check out the first post here. Below is your checklist of items you can do now to reduce stress on Turkey Day. Print this out and cross them off your list—it will feel so satisfying!
There’s no shame in outsourcing Thanksgiving desserts. But now is the time to get everything ordered and planned! If you want to bake your own, I have recipes below.
After you decide on your dessert menu, make a pie crust and freeze it.
Scroll down for an all-purpose pie crust recipe. You can freeze it in a disk or roll it out, fill your pie pan and then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it. Either way, wrap the dough well before putting it in your freezer.
Get everything out for your table. Count napkins, get out plates, silverware, glasses, etc.
Did you set out your serving pieces? Label everything with sticky notes so if
friends or family are helping you plate dishes, they will know what to grab.
Set the table a few days ahead of time. Go ahead and check it off your list. It
will make your whole house feel festive.
Plan the centerpiece. Whether it’s simple fall leaves and pinecones or
gorgeous fall flowers, have it ready a day or two before Thanksgiving. Use a gold
or silver paint pen to write place cards on magnolia leaves or card stock. Use
burlap twine or ribbon to tie your napkins in beautiful bundles.
This week, it’s time to make your Thanksgiving menu (if you haven’t already),
create an extensive grocery list and shop for food. I have a video on
Instagram about how to make an efficient shopping list.
Has your turkey been ordered? Plan for 1½-2 pounds per guest. I like to have leftovers for sandwiches and soups!
Pick up the turkey three or four days ahead so it has time to thaw in the
refrigerator. Set it inside a roasting pan or on a ½ sheet pan while it thaws on the
lowest shelf in your fridge.
Make cranberry sauce. This will hold for several days; make it a week ahead
and store it in your fridge so you can cross it off your list. Or make it today and
store it in your freezer. Leave some room at the top of your freezer container
because it will expand slightly.
Delegate prep and cooking to dinner attendees. I’ve given jobs to my kids and
my husband for the big day. It’s also more fun to crank some cooking music and cook with a group!
Feeling overwhelmed? Order an item on your menu and support a small
business! Last year, I had a huge crowd, so I ordered mashed potatoes and mac
’n’ cheese from Belong Kitchen in Houston. It was such a relief! You can do a
Google search for “Thanksgiving takeout items” in your area.
Here’s Part 1 of my Thanksgiving prep tips and recipes.
RECIPES
Pie Dough (I highly recommend King Arthur Flour for this.)
Gingerbread Pecan Tart (I’ve been making this since 2002.)
If you’re afraid of pie dough:
It’s OK to buy it frozen; I hereby give you permission! Or make one of the desserts below or outsource and support a small business.
Or make the Apple Cranberry Crisp above!
Herb and Citrus Roasted Turkey
My family’s Google Doc! (It’s not filled out for this year because I’m the only cook, and we have a small group, but this is helpful if you want to keep track of who is bringing which dish! Make a copy of it and make it your own.)
Thanksgiving Cooking Class!
I had a free Thanksgiving class to thank my subscribers, if that’s you, the recording and recipes are saved in this post. We made Lemon and Thyme Roast Turkey Breast, Somewhat Shortcut Stuffing and Meyer Lemon Cranberry Sauce. Print and save the recipes from this post or the Recipe Index. Are you a member of my online cooking school? If so, you get to cook with me every month! Our next class on December 10 is a Holiday Dinner Party menu and my easy Rocky Road Fudge.
Order my award-winning cookbook, Dinner is Done! It includes over 100 weeknight and family-friendly recipes, including chapters on meatless mains, fish and sauces, appetizers and snacks, cocktails, desserts and more.
