Getting Ready for Thanksgiving Cooking

Prepare a few things several days before Thanksgiving so it won't seem so overwhelming and you can enjoy the day too.

4 days before- If you have a frozen turkey begin to defrost. Purchase produce and herbs

3 days before- Make cranberry sauce and if your going to make your own bread crumbs for stuffing , dice the bread and lay them out to dry. Prepare pumpkin soup up to puree stage and freeze( do not add cream or milk until the big day)

2 days- Bake rolls and pie crust (Freeze or Refrigerate pie crusts)

1 day before- Buy fresh turkey, prepare stuffing(leave eggs out until you stuff your bird) If you are using the stuffed turkey recipe you can make it this day and let sit in Frig. Defrost pie crusts and bake pies. Any vegetable dish that requires baking can be prepared. Place pumpkin soup in the refrigerator to thaw. Set table and pick up flowers too.

Big day- Stuff and Roast Turkey according to recipe, Peel potatoes (you can enlist help from everyone.) Let them soak in water until ready to cook

1 hour before you serve- heat soup on low and slowing add cream and milk products. Stir consistently until heated. Remove any dishes from refrigerator and begin baking.

35 minutes before serve- Saute' any vegetables dishes, heat rolls or bread, prepare gravy,slice turkey and prepare mash potatoes

If your gravy turns out lumpy, grab a med. weave strainer and set it over a bowl. Pour gravy and stir. You just saved the day.

Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey to defrost. This is important so the turkey will cook properly. Use a thermometer through the thickest part of the breast to the bone and bake until it reads 160 degrees. Remember the turkey continues to bake after it is removed from the oven. Let it cool before trimming.