Thanksgiving Prep
In America, we anticipate the Thanksgiving Day celebration as soon as the season starts to turn from hot summer days to cooler fall nights. We have already started to see the Holiday decorations in stores and on screen to entice us into purchase. With the pandemic, we have changed our gathering habits over the last few years. No doubt our gratitude for all we have and those we love remains. It is likely however, that our celebrations will feel more like before but still with caution for our gatherings. Now is a perfect time to begin to think about what traditions we will continue and with what we will stay flexible.
Now: Begin talking with friends and family about expectations for the holiday. Be current with the reported numbers of COVID-19 cases in the city for which you plan to celebrate. Several strains of influenza and RSV are on the rise too. Understand the travel risks and get creative in your holiday ideas.
Once your plans are decided, 3 weeks in advance, invite your guests and suggest they RSVP so you know for how many to prepare. Special diets may be important to consider so don’t forget to ask your guests about that. You can plan your table setting and decorations at this time as well. Stay flexible though, it is difficult to predict every detail.
You can visit your local farmer’s market and order the turkey if planning a meat centered meal. These sustainably farmed birds are healthier and reduce your risk of antibiotic resistance. You may plan about 1 lb per person when deciding upon size of whole turkey to purchase.
At two weeks before Thanksgiving Day, decide upon the menu. Consider seasonal vegetables you have seen at the market and research and plan your recipes based on availability. Remember seasonal produce offer us the vitamins, minerals and living organisms we need at this time of year. Be sure you have the supplies you need such as kitchen twine, roasting pan, serving dishes, meat thermometer. Also consider the beverages to serve for your meal. Will you create a signature cocktail? Have wine or a special iced herbal tea? Don’t forget something special for the kids table. Plan for a variety of beverages to suite everyone.
When one week out, confirm all your needed ingredients including spices, blends and herbs. Having two lists for shopping is helpful; fresh foods and one of pantry items can ensure your meal is fresh and delicious. Purchase flour, corn meal, sugar, canned pumpkin, evaporated milk etc., before the holiday rush. Then at the farmer’s market secure your vegetables like carrots, parsnips, squash, sweet potatoes, greens and onions.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, around 3 days ahead, clean the house. Be sure your plate ware is clean; if using, the crystal and silver are polished. Having a clean refrigerator also makes the job of preparation easier. No one like to open the fridge door and see a mess and have to search for that one ingredient you know you have!
Two days ahead of time, prepare the appetizers if serving, and any sauces that get better with time. Toast the bread or make the cornbread for your dressing. This is also a good time to assemble the dressing. Make the pie crusts, and any vegetable that can be assembled ahead of time to be cooked on the big day. Begin brining the turkey if using this method, or defrosting is a frozen bird.
If you decide to brine, remove innards and the ties/clamps at the legs. Rinse the turkey well. Prepare brining solution and soak the thawed turkey for 12-48 hours in the refrigerator.
Turkey thaw suggestions (in the refrigerator):
4-12 lbs. 1-3 days
12-16 lbs. 3-4 days
16-20 lbs.- 4-5 days
20-24 lbs. 5-6 days
At the 24 hour mark, set your table, arrange all the serving dishes and utensils with a post it note to remind you of your brilliant ideas! Don’t forget the ice bucket and the centerpiece. Purchase your fresh vegetables, clean, wash and store in refrigerator. Review your recipes to be sure you have all you need. Prepare any desserts you are serving and store in refrigerator. Chill the wine or other beverages served cold.
On Thanksgiving Day, take a deep breath and recall all the gratitude you have for this event whether big or small. Take time to thank the hands that grew your food and the people that came before you to make America a place of opportunity. This pause may include your own personal reflections for the unconventional gifts of 2022.
Start early Thanksgiving morning if you need, depending on your turkey (if serving).
Suggested cooking times at 325° F:
8-12 lbs. 2 hours 45 minutes-three and half hours
12-14 lbs. 3 hours forty five minutes- 4 hours
14-18 lbs. 4 hours to 4 hours and thirty minutes
18-20 lbs. 4 and half hours to 5 hours
20-24 lbs. 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 and half hours
Once the bird is cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165° F (measuring at the thickest part of breast or at the thigh), let rest for 20 minutes before carving. About an hour and a half before turkey is finished, prepare fresh sides. Don’t forget to warm the rolls and remove desserts from refrigerator. Make sure the glasses are filled and coffee is ready for brewing.
Carve the turkey, place all the sides, dressing and rolls out and call your guests to the table. Marvel at the beautiful meal you have created and toast bon appetit!