Practical Planning - Thanksgiving
Posted by TulipGirl | Under Computer Cookbook, Family Journal Saturday Nov 22, 2008This year my parents and sister will not be coming down for Thanksgiving, breaking with a not-quite-tradition which we hadn’t quite established. Last year we had a casual, immediate family only Thanksgiving dinner with the kids pitching in a lot. This year we’ll continue with the low stress theme, but probably have a few guests. To keep it low key, however, we do need to do a little bit of planning ahead. These are my notes, to access as we go along and to refer back to next year — not advice for anyone else’s Thanksgiving! Though, feel free to share your keeping it simple Thanksgiving ideas with me!
Tentative Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Dad’s Roast Turkey and Stuffing (I’ll make, my Dad’s recipe)
Gravy
Green Bean Casserole (R9, make ahead)
Red Mashed Potatoes
Green Peas (C7)
Corn (C7)
Dinner Rolls (baked from frozen)
Cranberry Sauce (make ahead)
Hot Mulled Apple Cider (T10)
Pumpkin Pie
Ambrosia (J12, make ahead)
Bailey’s Irish Cream (continuing a Kyiv tradition)
Maybe. . .
Green salad? Pumpkin dip? Appetizer?
Other things to keep it simple. . .
Remember to check the oven is on “bake” not “broil”
Remember 10 am Thanksgiving service at church
Remember to thaw the turkey
A glass of wine while cooking
Do as much ahead of time
Kids participate
Peaceful music
Real Simple magazine, which my sister passed along, says that it’s a waste of time to peel potatoes: the skins add color and fiber. But you probably already do it that way.
I suggested it at a family reunion but the idea was nixed: “the kids won’t eat them.” I wanted to add - but didn’t - that then it’s time for the parents (or schools) to be teaching nutrition facts; also that some of the most classy restaurants - from what I’ve heard - serve mashed unpeeled potatoes.
Alas; what we have to keep from saying in order to not have hurt feelings within the family.
Your plans sound great! Cooking ahead is my key to sanity, plus I have a timeline from the Flylady website that helps me keep my bearings, especially in the last zany hour of pulling everything together.
This year I have my new oven…I can’t even imagine cooking Thanksgiving dinner while the oven heat holds steady where I set it. That’s just unimaginable.
Remember to check the oven is on “bake” not “broil”
That’s my kind of cooking tip!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
This all sounds kinds quite delish. I cannot WAIT for the day when our kiddos can can pitch in and help with the preparations.
It sounds like you will have a lovely day!
We keep it simple by going to my IL’s… my SIL & one BIL bring some extra side dishes. I help out my MIL as needed (she is sight impaired but knows exactly what needs to be done.) It works for me because my kids are so little, I would be pretty overwhelmed doing everything… at least with G2 right now.
Oh, and all the cousins enjoy playing together, so it keeps them occupied nicely.
I loved recollecting our last Thanksgiving together, esp. having to thaw the turkeys in the pool. I made cranberry relish for Maw Maw in New Orleans and mine last night.Dad will pare down for the two of us. Love and hugs to all, mom
Mom, lots of happy memories. . . maybe next year we’ll be together!
Kathy and FL Grandma, I really appreciate your input. And, yes, Kathy — last year we had a “two part” Thanksgiving. . . I baked the bird on “broil” for two hours before realizing my mistake. Thankfully, it was covered with foil, so the top wasn’t burnt.
Megan, kids are so fun in the kitchen. . . well, when I’m willing to “let go” a bit. . . Also, while we’re teaching proper hygiene, considering how often small fingers get into food, I’m more at ease when they cook for family rather than guests.