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Thanksgiving Tips and Recipes

It's time to start preparing for the best holiday meal. Thanksgiving is the time not only for football but for stretchy pants, favorite dishes, and laughter.


Being part of big family it took all hands on deck to make sure the dinner went "perfectly." It is my hope that these tips will help make the day extra special with little to no headaches.


1. Create your meal plan now. It is okay to have store-bought dishes. You don't have to make everything. This includes buying produce already chopped. Check out the recipes at the end of this article.


2. Check your pantry and kitchen to make sure you have the kitchen utensils you need. Paper plates and plastic utensils are perfect. Have the guests put their name on their plastic cups. I love this caddy that tells your guests that if they don't use the paper plates and cups they have to do the dishes. Serving platters take up less space. Keep your beverages in large containers.


Party Cup Dispenser: https://amzn.to/40AyhtF

Three Tier Serving Tray: https://amzn.to/40s93O0

One Gallon Glass Beverage Dispenser: https://amzn.to/40w0B0s


3. Start cleaning. Setting up a house cleaner to come in can help lessen the stress. Cleaning is also easier with the right tools. Have created a list of essentials. If you don't have a Benable account, use the code: GWQEV



4. Use all of your appliances for prepping, warming, and serving. I also came across a tip that I wish I had known before. Several amazing cooks use ice chests not only to keep things cold (bottles of dressing, pickles, drinks) but you can also have one lined with aluminum foil and folded towels to keep your dishes hot. You can even keep the ice chests in the garage. Found a great deal on Amazon for an electric buffet server - warmer. If you are going to another house for dinner, use this insulated casserole carrier.

Buffet Server and Warming Tray: https://amzn.to/3FPOSjF

Insulate Casserole Carrier: https://amzn.to/46ZXAYz


5. Use a roasting pan or this year deep fry that bird. Make sure you thaw your turkey before the big day. It is recommended that you buy enough turkey to serve 3/4 to one pounds per person. Seems like a lot but when you think about all the bones, fat, there is not that much meat to carve. Also great for leftovers.

Nonstick Roasting Pan: https://amzn.to/3MxhrGi

Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer Pot with Injector Thermometer Kit: https://amzn.to/463qHsA


6. Make dishes ahead of time.

a. Use your slow cooker or instant pot to keep your mashed potatoes warm. Use heavy cream on the bottom. Keep the cooker on low and stir every hour.

b. Gravy can be frozen. Thanksgiving morning make sure you thaw and warm. You can keep it warm in a thermos.

c. Cranberry sauce is important in my family.

d. Dinner rolls are another item that can be frozen or just buy them from the store. My mom's butterhorn rolls are the best.


7. Set table ahead of time. Don't worry about place cards. Keep it simple.


8. Delegate! Many hands make for a great dinner. Someone else can keep up with the dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is empty before the guests arrive. Another person is in charge of the trash. Have an extra trash can for overflow. Ask for people to bring ice


9. Have a breakfast buffet. Buy muffins, granola bars, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese. Having a Kurig is a great way to make sure everyone has their coffee.

Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/478T9Le

Coffee Variety Pack, Light-Dark Roasts, 96 Count: https://amzn.to/3MAatAq


10. Be ready to send leftovers home or store in your freezer

36-Pack Thanksgiving Leftover Containers with Lids: https://amzn.to/3u7a423

60-Piece Large Food Storage Container Set: https://amzn.to/47ovhTc


Here are recipes that I hope you will love


Appetizers










Beverages





Side Dishes












Desserts







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