Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Planning for Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving is almost a week later this year due to November 1st being on a Friday. That does give us more time to prepare—but don’t forget, Christmas will be coming even quicker! So it’d be wise to try and fit in a few Christmas preparations in the next few weeks as well. But don’t be stressed. The holidays are sometimes daunting, but with a little preparation and scheduling it can be a breeze.
Choose your method. Before doing anything, we need a plan. Use whatever method works for you when it comes to scheduling, to-do lists, etc. I’m old school and use a yellow legal pad! But the Outlook calendar app would also work well, in my opinion. Having your schedule and notes with you on an iPad or phone can be really convenient.
Make lists. Several lists need to be made. First is the menu. Include EVERYTHING! From drinks to appetizers to the main meal to desserts. Then indicate where you can use help. I don’t know of many cooks who really want to take on the entire dinner. I also don’t know very many guests that would not love to help! I’ve found a good way is to parcel out appetizers, drinks, snacks and desserts to others. Then the cook can concentrate on the main meal. However, keep in mind that if you have other guests bringing side dishes, they will need to be reheated. So however you do it, it needs to be done soon.
Order your turkey. If you are having a fresh artisanal turkey, it should probably have already been ordered. But it’s not too late! If you have the freezer space, buy your frozen turkey this week too or at the latest next week. Don’t forget it can take several days to thaw a turkey safely in the refrigerator. Check online or on the package for times. This time of year, it’s great if you have that extra refrigerator in the basement to store extra stuff.
Buy your ingredients. This week is time to purchase all your non-perishables. This is also a great time to replace all your dried herbs and spices. You know most herbs and spices lose their potency in 6-8 months so now is the time to refresh. If you open the container and there’s no fragrance, there is also no taste. Stuffing mixes, stock, canned goods, soda, mixers, snacks, crackers, and pie fillings can all be purchased now to make your later shopping lists a little lighter. That’s why your master menu and shopping lists are so important.
Check your tools. Bring out all your serving pieces and utensils. Include everything you will need for preparation. Is your electric carving knife working? Is that old potato ricer still functioning? For Thanksgiving, we will be using a lot of things that only come out a couple times a year. Make sure you have everything you need for cooking and serving. Many department stores have all the things you need on sale so maybe some of those old pieces you’ve been using for 20+ years need to be replaced.
Cook some dishes ahead of time. Look online for “make ahead” Thanksgiving dishes. There are many things that can be made ahead and frozen in the next 2 weeks. Dips like spinach artichoke can be made and frozen. Homemade pies are another easy make ahead and freeze. This is all about making and doing as much as you can before Thanksgiving week so you can make this the most stress free Thanksgiving ever!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
