Ruth n Jersey
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern New Jersey
It took me quite a few years to put this all together but this is what I do in preparation for holiday dinners so they are enjoyable for me as well as my guests.
Well in advance, I make any cakes or bread, I cube the bread for the stuffing and make whatever goes into it and place in a plastic bag and freeze. I combine it the day before.. My onions to be creamed have been frozen and are from my garden. Turnip has been made and frozen as well. Both are a must have for my hubby.
2 days before, I make the pies. I figure they are still good 3 days after the holiday so what not make them 2 days ahead.
Set the dining room table 2 days in advance and cover with a plastic table cloth or sheet.
The day before I peel and cut the potatoes to be mashed and cover with cold salted water and refrigerate. I make the cream sauce for the onions. Defrost and cook the onions. The day of, I reheat them both and combine.
I take the time to put a little sticky note in each serving bowl as to what goes in the bowl.
The last is something I have been recently doing and I wish I had thought of it years ago. I make the turkey the day before. Let it cool so it cuts easily. I put all the slices in a large pan and cover with chicken or turkey broth. I then can make the gravy and clean up the pan as well. It frees up the oven to keep the last minute items hot and I don't have to worry over the turkey. The only thing missing is the crispy skin but I can live with that.
The day of I add other vegetables, and condiments.
If it is cold enough outside I put the items in a cabinet in the garage or on my screened in porch. I also have a large cooler that I use if it is warm because it all won't fit in the fridge.
I even make extra ice for cold drinks way ahead.
I realize not everyone has access to freezer space .I have 2 large chest freezers and food preferences are different than mine and I also have a large dining room but there might be something here that might be helpful and maybe you would like to share ideas you have been doing also to make your holiday easier. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Well in advance, I make any cakes or bread, I cube the bread for the stuffing and make whatever goes into it and place in a plastic bag and freeze. I combine it the day before.. My onions to be creamed have been frozen and are from my garden. Turnip has been made and frozen as well. Both are a must have for my hubby.
2 days before, I make the pies. I figure they are still good 3 days after the holiday so what not make them 2 days ahead.
Set the dining room table 2 days in advance and cover with a plastic table cloth or sheet.
The day before I peel and cut the potatoes to be mashed and cover with cold salted water and refrigerate. I make the cream sauce for the onions. Defrost and cook the onions. The day of, I reheat them both and combine.
I take the time to put a little sticky note in each serving bowl as to what goes in the bowl.
The last is something I have been recently doing and I wish I had thought of it years ago. I make the turkey the day before. Let it cool so it cuts easily. I put all the slices in a large pan and cover with chicken or turkey broth. I then can make the gravy and clean up the pan as well. It frees up the oven to keep the last minute items hot and I don't have to worry over the turkey. The only thing missing is the crispy skin but I can live with that.
The day of I add other vegetables, and condiments.
If it is cold enough outside I put the items in a cabinet in the garage or on my screened in porch. I also have a large cooler that I use if it is warm because it all won't fit in the fridge.
I even make extra ice for cold drinks way ahead.
I realize not everyone has access to freezer space .I have 2 large chest freezers and food preferences are different than mine and I also have a large dining room but there might be something here that might be helpful and maybe you would like to share ideas you have been doing also to make your holiday easier. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
