How to Prepare For Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends.  Advance planning will help you to be able to host your holiday meal with ease.  Invite your guests and decide whether you want to ask people to bring parts of the meal, such as wine, desserts, side dishes appetizers or rolls.

Plan the menu and write out the shopping list.  What side dishes will you prepare ahead of time?  It is a good idea to buy your Turkey ahead of time because if you wait until the last minute the good sized turkeys maybe gone.  Clean the freezer to make room for items that will be purchased ahead of time. Check your necessary cooking equipment, pots, pans, bowls, and baking dishes.  You may want to use heavy aluminum foil pans for easy cleanup.

A few days ahead of time prepare for your overnight guests, clean the house, vacuum, and have clean sheets and towels ready.  Press table linens, polish your silverware and china or you may want to purchase fancy paper plates.  You may have to add a folding table to accommodate your guests. 

Don’t try to experiment with new dishes at this time.  Use traditional sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.  24 hours before Thanksgiving thaw out the turkey in the refrigerator.  Wash any surfaces and utensils that the raw bird has come into contact.  Never defrost the turkey at room temperature because bacteria breeds at room temperature.  To prevent bacterial growth stuff the turkey just before you place the bird in the oven.  Rub the bird with butter just before roasting.  Follow roasting directions on packaging for cooking times.  Let the turkey stand for 15 minutes before carving.  Make sure your knives are sharp.  Gravy can be made at this time with juice from the poultry.

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water before handling any cooked food.  Use clean containers to store cooked food.  Left over’s can be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.  Remove stuffing from the turkey and store separately.  Leftover meat can be cut and frozen in a freezer container for up to two months.

Pumpkin pie is a good dessert for the end of a good meal.  After dinner spend time with your family and friends, just relax enjoy each other’s company laugh, talk,  and watch football.