Thanksgiving Dinner

All the planning and work that goes into the Traditional Thanksgiving dinner can send you into a tizzy. I have some great tips and recipes to help you create an incredible meal without all the stress. It begins with putting a plan together and starting early. Set the Menu, divide the tasks, relax and enjoy the meal!

Set the Menu

Appetizers:

We always put a few things out to munch on while the chefs are finalizing the dinner.
Limit the appetizers to two light choices so everyone will have plenty of room left for the main attraction
Low sodium mixed nuts or sliced cheeses and crackers or
Gorgonzola and Roasted Mushrooms and Onion Bruchetta.

Bread:


Keep the bread simple but fresh baked.
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Salads:

This salad adds beautiful colors to the meal. Cranberry Apple Salad.

Vegetables:

The side dishes are everyone's real favorite if the truth be told. I have so many favorites that it was hard to include just a few. I think you will agree these deserve to be at the dinner table.

Traditional Mashed Potatoes.

Sweet Potato Recipes.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans.

Country Style Green Beans.

Herb Roasted Turkey and Cornbread Dressing:

Now for the main attraction: For me it is really all about the dressing. The turkey is just for show, but I do love the flavor that the herbs give the bird. Herb Roasted Turkey

Mom's Cornbread Dressing

Buttermilk cornbread.

Dessert

Leaving a delicious last impression is very important. I suggest you try these desserts for a fabulous ending to a fabulous meal

Spice Cake

Spiced Pumkin Roll

Divide the Tasks:

  • Ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert. If you want, you can provide them with the recipe from my website
  • If you are willing and have the time, you may want to prepare the entire dinner. If so, make several things in advance.

    4 days before:
    Prepare the house, set up tables if necessary.
    Shop for ingredients including the turkey.
    Get plates, glasses, flatware and serving platter ready
    Many desserts can be made in advance and frozen- just don’t forget about them!
    Purchase your turkey
    To thaw turkey place in refrigerator, (about one day of thawing for every 4 pounds)

    3 days before
    Set table
    Shop for perishable ingredients
    Make cranberry relish

    2 days before
    Chop celery, onions, make dressing, cover and refrigerate
    Thaw (in the refrigerator) any dishes that you made ahead and froze

    1 day before
    Make two side dishes and the dressing (stuffing)
    Calculate the amount of time that you will need for cooking the turkey and take the bird out of the refrigerator 2 hours before the time to start the cooking process
    Measure out ingredients for bread
    Get plenty of rest! Go to bed early!

    The grand finale
    Stuff the turkey and cook
    Make the gravy
    Heat or cook the side dishes
    Arrange desserts on plates or platters
    Make and bake the bread
    Carve the turkey

    If anyone asks if they can help- say YES- fill glasses with ice, pour beverages, keep an eye on the bread, transfer food to bowls or plates
    And always if anyone is willing to help with cleaning up the kitchen- LET THEM

    Happy Thanksgiving
    ENJOY the day and remember to give thanks for life's blessings