Last year, we were dealing with the aftermath of Sandy and all the emotions that it brought. This year, we were fortunate and did not have any weather tragedies. Regardless if we are still trying to rebuild or if we have recouped from our losses, there are still things in our lives that we need to remember and can be thankful for.
Last year one of my Professor's had asked about tips and tricks for Thanksgiving. In my opinion, it was pretty extensive. I have decided to re-post this information to those of you who need a reminder to "take a breath" and think about the important things in your life.
In a week from this Thursday it will be Thanksgiving. The stress of the holiday season on a normal basis is enough to make you want to jump out a window, but now add the stress of relatives and possibly the first time hosting the Thanksgiving dinner and your thinking "Holy Moly, what have I done, this is a recipe for disaster". Here is a list of ideas to relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling.
1. Take a deep breath. Don't take on more than you feel you can handle. Especially if it's your first time you’re hosting the dinner. KEEP IT SIMPLE!
2. Don't try new recipes. Now is not the time to field test a recipe. Most people like tradition when it comes to the holiday. Stay with the tried and true. If there is something traditional that you can't prepare, ask one of your invites to provide that dish.
3. Prep ahead of time. Think of yourself as a restaurant. What do they do to be able to run smoothly? They prep, prep and more prep. Cut and clean as many of your vegetables ahead of time as possible. Make as many of the dishes a head of time. Foodnetwork.com has wonderful simple recipes that can be done in advance. For mashed potatoes, wash and peel the potatoes (don't cut them up, they will be too waterlogged) then cover them in cold water overnight. All you will have to do the next day is cut them up and cook. Stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and put in a casserole dish. Take it out for about an hour to bring to room temp and then cook as you would normally. If your baking potatoes, use your microwave too cook, then coat them with vegetable or olive oil and put them in oven to crisp the skin.
4. ASK FOR HELP! Especially if this is your first time hosting. If someone asks if they can bring something, SAY YES! A side dish, salad, appetizer, dessert, even the turkey. My mother in law isn't a great cook, but I know who to call to make a roast turkey. Take advantage. Better yet, make it a "Potluck Thanksgiving" and ask everyone to bring something, even if its napkins. You don't want to be the martyr, it will just add more stress. If they can't bring something, assign them to be the packing or cleanup crew. Teenagers are great for this. Get as many people involved as possible.
5. Not only can you ask your family and friends to help, but you should also take help from the supermarket. If you or anyone you know cannot do the turkey, especially if you don't want to take the chance of serving a "Grizzwald" dry bird, order it. Put a little of your own touch on a store bought items; top that out of the box apple pie with ice cream, whipped cream and drizzle some caramel topping on it. Get a plain cheese cake and top with raspberry/strawberry preserves or drizzle chocolate shell ice cream topping and caramel sauce on top of the cake and add some pecans to make a turtle cheesecake. Use boxed stuffing and add sweet sausage and chopped apples.
6. If you have a lot of people coming, forget the good china. There are some beautiful disposable dinnerware, flatware, serve-ware and glasses that can be purchased and there is no dish washing. Local dollar and discount stores offer great deals on disposable aluminum pans. USE THEM!
7. Roast, roast, roast. Carrots, string beans, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts are great roasted. Toss with Olive Oil, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and roast in a 425 oven until fork tender. Broccoli, string beans, and brussel sprouts can then be tossed with balsamic vinegar. Top with chopped parsley and viola!
8. Gobble, Gobble. If you don't have a large oven, cook two small turkeys instead. Or one whole small bird for show but then have another one already cut up into parts.
9. If you insist on using fine china and serving platters or even if you are using disposable as sit down or buffet; Set your table and set out all your serving pieces one or two nights before. This way your not running around last minute to try to find that gravy boat.
10. No need to stress. If all else fails.... make reservations at a nice restaurant or have the meal catered.
You want to enjoy your holiday and your company. The most important thing to remember, is keep it simple and as the good ole Boyscout saying "be prepared". If you forgot a side dish, so what! Move on and serve what you have. The host/hostess does not need to stress, it will show to your guests and no one will have a good time. "Don't let them see you sweat!"
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!
