Thanksgiving is a special American tradition to enjoy with family and friends. Have a more relaxing and enjoyable experience by preparing for the memorable occasion with these tips.
Delegate: Think of yourself as a coordinator bringing out the best of everyone. Call guests and ask them what they would love to bring: appetizers, beverages, side dishes, dessert. Have wish list of items to buy that do not need preparing for those that are time or culinarily challenged. Some may volunteer to make whatever is still needed after everyone has volunteered their contribution. Ask for help to clean up afterwards too!
Make Homemade: Companies are selling packaged convenience at a premium cost, but making your own is usually less expensive, more flavorful and nutritious. Take time to look for a highly rated recipe to provide a crowd pleaser. You can even elevate its healthiness, like choosing organic, or gluten-free bread and the like. Make a shopping list from your recipes and avoid the last-minute rush.
Use a Grocery Store App: If you do not have time or the interest in cost comparison shopping, for all stores have “loss leaders” to get you in the store hoping you will buy the rest there, you can usually download an app for exclusive digital coupons and offers for your favorite store. You can “clip” digital coupons and add them to your account and access it while in the store as a shopping list.
Choose Seasonal: Choose vegetables on sale to make simple mix of vegetables to roast. Choices such as a combination of carrots, onions, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, parsnips, cauliflower…will be filling and compliment traditional vegetable dishes like green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole.
Sensibly Decorate: Keep it simple by making a centerpiece of small squash and fruit for a variety of colors, some nuts in the shell, and springs of rosemary—things you can eat later with a few gathered pinecones if need be.
Plan for Leftovers: The best time of year to buy turkey is prior to Thanksgiving. Afterwards they will go up in price and disappear before Christmas. News reports have warned there will be less turkeys available this year. I have a tradition of stripping the bird after dinner, and then boiling the carcass in a soup pot with some vegetables to make a rich bone broth. I freeze some meat in the broth as a base for soup, and also put individual portions of meat to freeze by putting a light coat of leftover gravy to keep moisture in for later use. I love souper cubes for this purpose.
Bonus tips: With the menu set, make what you can ahead of time, and plan a thawing and cooking schedule. A frozen turkey takes 24 hours for every 5 pounds to thaw, plan on at least a pound of turkey per person. Consider taking advantage of utilizing an Instant Pot or Crockpot to cook or keep food warm to help make the oven more available. Plan on the turkey to be done 30 minutes before you plan to serve so it can rest and be carved. Relax and enjoy the time spent with loved ones. Consider the tradition of sharing 2 things you are thankful for that year, and remember to take some photos!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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