Our big food holiday is quickly approaching and it’s time to make some plans! This year, the Co-op will be sending out our Annual Strive and Thrive Guide in four parts throughout the month. This one is all about pre-planning the big day!
Step One: Figure Out Who is Hosting and Finalized
Before the holiday gets too close, you’ll need to decide who in your family or friend group is hosting. For the sake of these emails, we’ll assume it’s you! As soon as possible, finalize your guest list so you know how much food to make and things like how much seating will be needed.
Step Two: Plan Your Menu
First, decide if you’re making everything yourself or if guests will be bringing dishes potluck style. If the latter, it’s a good idea to have the turkey cooked at the hosting house, because the logistics of moving a turkey are not simple. For potlucks, find out what dishes your guests are comfortable making— this also ensures no one will be doubling up on dishes. As much as we love pumpkin pie, three people bringing it might be excessive.
If you’re making everything, make sure you aren’t too ambitious. There’s a lot that goes into a Thanksgiving feast and trying to be too extravagant can cause more stress than it’s worth. Consider picking delicious but simple recipes. Get adventurous with the flavors, but not the complexity.
Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions of your guests.
When you’re planning your menu, try simplifying things by picking recipes that bake at the same temperature. Also, see how many of the recipes can be prepped or pre-cooked the day before so they can be quickly finished off in the oven while the turkey is resting.
Step Three: Take Stock of Kitchen Equipment and Utensils
It may vary a bit depending on your chosen dishes, but some things are just required for making a big holiday meal. The time to discover you need a new meat thermometer is not on Thanksgiving. It’s definitely best to assess and replace any essentials a few weeks ahead of time.
Here’s a list of equipment and utensils to consider:
1. A roasting pan (something to fit the turkey)
2. A turkey baster
3. Kitchen twine (for tying the turkey’s legs together)
4. Meat thermometer (the pop-up ones that come in some turkeys are not accurate)
5. Carving knife and fork
6. Bottle opener/wine key
7. Enough pots, pans, and baking dishes for your menu
8. Aluminum foil and parchment paper
9. Vegetable peeler
10. Potato masher or ricer
11. Serving dishes
12. Look through your recipes and check for anything unexpected (for instance, our amazing turkey recipe calls for cheese cloth)
Bonus: Clean Out the Freezer and Fridge
Before you do your grocery shopping, be sure to clean out the fridge and freezer so you have room for everything. Throw out old food or ingredients that are taking up precious space. While you’re at it, clear out the pantry and consider donating any sealed food you don’t need.
We’ll have more tips next week and each week before Thanksgiving. Tips for shopping (saving money while shopping), prepping, and cooking. And, the coveted beverages guide from Co-op Wine Guy, John McClement!
Co-op Thanksgiving Recipes
We have over 60 delicious Thanksgiving desserts in our recipe archive! From White Wine Bathed Turkey to Pumpkin Butter Croissants, to All the Fixin’ Turkey Pot Pie! See all Thanksgiving recipes here.
