So, Thanksgiving is this Thursday. Although many readers may be planning to spend the holiday with family and friends who are preparing the traditional dinner, some of you may be doing the cooking yourself this year. And if this is your first Thanksgiving in charge of the big meal, you may do yourself a favor with these TOP 5 timely tips:
1.) PLAN YOUR THANKSGIVING MENU AND THEME
Think about your menu in advance and write down the things you want to serve your guests, bearing in mind those dishes that cannot be changed and those that can be “brought up a notch,” as chef, Emeril Lagasse, always says. If you haven’t already purchased all your ingredients, hurry NOW to the store, as many necessary items will be sold out. Break with tradition when you can, but dare not to when you can’t. Plan a theme for your dinner table and think about which plates, decorations, and serving pieces will enhance your theme. It can be simple or complex. It can involving heirloom china and crystal or disposable plates and flatware. It can incorporate flowers and vegetables from your garden or even fun decorations from the kids. But remember the vegetarians and vegans who may be in attendance. Oh, and remember to have fun!
2.) PLAN YOUR COOKING SCHEDULE
Carefully plan and write out a cooking schedule and timetable well in advance. Indicate those dishes that can be made ahead of time, those that can be frozen, those that will require the crockpot or microwave, and those that must be cooked at the last minute. Also, know in advance which dishes/beverages your guests may be bringing, as well as which family members or friends will be helpers prior to the meal, as well as after (clean-up).
3.) DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO JUST THE OVEN
Crockpot or pressure cooker recipes and those prepared on the stovetop combined with the oven is the best way to go for such a big meal. Find out more about other methods of preparing turkey, including brining, deep-frying, grilling, or even store prepared. This way, cooking isn’t concentrated on just one appliance. Utilizing an alternate cooking source for the main course always decreases time spent in the kitchen.
4.) PREPARE MUCH OF THE MEAL THE DAY BEFORE
Peel those sweet potatoes, boil and mash potatoes the night before, clean that turkey and place it in the roaster and then back in the fridge. Also, save time and energy when making a big meal by measuring everything out before you start cooking. This is a great time-saver and will save you from pulling your hair out in frustration from last minute snafu’s.
5.) DON’T FORGET THE SMALL STUFF
A variety of desserts, a steaming hot pot of coffee, several liqueurs, wines and adult beverages, and even a few Alka-Seltzer may be a necessary but fitting end to a very lovely day. Some disposable Tupperware, aluminum foil and paper plates may also come in handy for guests to take some of the delectable day home with them.
And just in case you don’t have any special plans for Thanksgiving, it’s not too late to volunteer at a church or local soup kitchen to feed the needy. Happy Holiday!
