How to efficiently plan and cook AND still get quality time with loved ones
This may be a busy and short work week, but prepping for a big Thanksgiving Feast doesn't have to be so…labor intensive. For some, like my mom, Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday because it is usually shared with family and friends with no expectations other than eating! The joy around breaking bread together builds bonds and can even diffuse some challenging moments between loved ones (yes…it can also start them too).
I have hosted many Thanksgiving dinners and I still look back on the ones I had as a child that were filled with dozens of kids running around (mostly cousins and the occasional lone tag-a-long significant other of the older cousins), sipping hot apple cider and playing non-stop games of pinochle, risk, and chess. Even though I don’t have quite the entourage of my youth, nor do my children have the ‘countless’ cousins, we still try to keep up with traditions and make the preparation and meal enjoyable. Plus…of the many hours put into this meal, let’s focus on some tried and true delicious recipes that also can save some hours spent ‘in’ the kitchen solo and be with those loved ones around the table. I have not invented an extra hour in the day (seriously, where does the time go?), but these tips and recipes may save you a few.
Timeline for Your Thanksgiving Feast
DAY | TIME | DUTY |
2-3 Weeks Before |
| · Reserve Turkey with Local Butcher/Grocery Store |
Friday or Weekend Before |
| · Purchase: Turkey, Vegetables (Cucumbers, Potatoes, Squash, Pumpkins, Onions, Garlic), Fruit (apples, cranberries, oranges, pomegranate, etc.), Flour (gluten-free if using), Butter (salted & unsalted), canned pumpkins (if using), sweetened condensed milk/evaporated milk, broth, Wine, Sparkling Apple Cider, Spices (mustard seeds, dill, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, all spice, vanilla extract), any cured meats, cheese, veggies + fruit for appetizers, Nuts, Whipping Cream · Can purchase other items if you have a fresh supply |
Monday |
| · Make: Pickled Veggies for appetizers · Make: Cranberry Relish · Place any wine in the wine fridge/fridge for the feast |
Tuesday | Day | · Purchase: Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Green Beans, Lettuce/Salad, Mushrooms, Tomatoes) Spices (fresh thyme, sage, parsley, bay leaves) · Make: Gluten-Free Oven-Roasted Onions (green bean casserole) |
| Evening | · Make: Basic Dough Recipe for pies |
Wednesday | Morning | · Make: Appetizer Trays (meat + cheese, cut veggies + wash fruit) |
| Afternoon | · Make: Sourdough Rolls or Rolls (last rise in fridge) · Make: Pumpkin Pie, Other Pies as desired · Make: Apple + Shallot Hand Pie and/or Savory Autumn Hand Pie (appetizers) · Make Cream of Mushroom from scratch (if desired) |
| Evening | · Make: Apple Cider Brine for Turkey · Cut up and allow to bread to dry |
Thursday | Morning | · Start your morning + Pray (I love the Hallow App) · Flip Turkey · Go for a 15 minute walk outside · Prep the Salad for dinner · Start making stuffing |
| Early Afternoon | · Dish up cranberry relish, plate table, appetizers and pour a glass of wine for yourself to sample · Prep & Blanch Green Beans al dente. · Start making Cream of Mushroom (from scratch if desired) then combine cream of mushroom and bake about 20 minutes before turkey is to be done (continue baking until ready), adding “baked” onions 10-15 minutes before done · Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes then make 20 minutes before turkey is done (these stay pretty hot) · Bake Rolls when turkey is done · Begin cooking ACV Brined Turkey when you have two hours before you want to eat · When Turkey is done, decant any red wine & Bake Rolls · Allow turkey to rest (about 20 minutes) and make gravy from drippings |
You may have other items you want for your meal, starting at a different time, and so forth, but here’s a guide that may be helpful. Please adjust what works best for you. Click here for the timeline.
Here are the recipes from the guide above, and please know, I’ll be adding to it as I finish working on them.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours this season and may you and your meal be a blessing to those around you!
XOXO–
Richelle
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