You probably won’t have to track your turkey, call him, or shoot him, but there are some things that you need to do to keep your holiday meal on track.
Number one is of course — make a plan.
Have you decided who is hosting Thanksgiving dinner or any other special meals? Once the location and host are decided, it is time to divvy up the chores and the courses.
I think today’s cooks have gotten past the “I’ve have to do it all “ mentality. At least I hope so. Fond memories of “Aunt Sue’s sweet potatoes or Grandma’s rolls” can almost cause hunger pangs. But, the orchestration of such a feast can be overwhelming.
Be certain to find out what each guest or family plans to bring so there will be no omissions of someone’s “must have” dish. You can also roast the meat or poultry and buy the sides if time is an issue.
You don’t have to serve every item from the years of Thanksgiving memories. Usually when people marry, there must be compromise on what traditions from each family to preserve. Did your grandmother always make the gravy? Did your mother put the stuffing inside or outside of the bird? Maybe it’s time to stop having green bean casserole.
In the 1950s and1960s, salads made with Jell-O, fruit, cream cheese and topped with whipped cream were popular. Most people steer away from those calorie-laden dishes today in favor of lighter sides.
One of the chief goals for the holidays is to save time. A little more free time can provide a half hour to visit an older neighbor or drop a homemade treat to a friend. You may take advantage of the pre-cut vegetables available for that onion and celery stuffing or purchase prepared piecrusts.
There was a time when I felt I had to make my usual pies from scratch. My daughter brought the pumpkin pies one year. They were delicious and she admitted that she bought the ready-made crust. I never worried about pie crust again. If I have time and feel like it, I make the crust. If not — no one seems to care. Of course you can always ask someone else to pick up a pie as their contribution to the day’s festivities.
Whatever your family’s choices — plan early and take time to look at the coupons and special sales that are prevalent this time of year.
Looking around the grocery stores, I saw that one offered pumpkin pies at $4.99, although a lattice-topped apple was $6.99.
Take the time, if you’re the one cooking the turkey, to look at ads and compare before you shop. One local store manager in Trader Joes told me his fresh turkeys would be here in about two weeks and you can purchase them brined or plain.
Chad Miller, the meat manager at Giant (Benner Pike) said their fresh turkeys should be in by Nov. 15. There are several brands with prices ranging from $1.59 to around $2.00 per pound for the Nature’s Promise brand (hormone – free, and fed an all vegetable diet).
Fresh turkeys are great time savers if you work until the last day before Thanksgiving. If you choose a frozen turkey, remember to look up how long it takes to thaw. There is nothing worse than picking ice out of a frigid bird the morning of Thanksgiving! How do I know? Well…. That is a story for another time.
I spoke with Executive Chef Steve Ast at Wegman’s and he offered tips to help customers have a stress-free holiday. The market offers pamphlets that describe all you need to know about roasting turkey or any other poultry or meat. He suggests that any cook go to Wegman’s website for menus, recipes and tips. He says, “ If you don’t need a whole turkey or just want to avoid the cooking altogether, there are tasty stuffed turkey breasts ready to heat. On Thanksgiving we will stock the food bar with all the traditional foods for a complete dinner.”
At Trader Joes you can pick up a turkey breast with cranberry/apple stuffing ready to roast, for two people for approximately $17. No fuss and Trader promises the meals are tasty.
I also found wonderful recipes on Pinterest, many of which can be made ahead of time and safely refrigerated one or two days ahead of the main items. Remember, space in the oven won’t be an issue if you allow guests to bring offerings to your dinner!
The other grocery stores offer the same type of help online. Weismarkets.com lists great side dishes with recipes.
Ladies and gentlemen, we can create new traditions and spend less time in the kitchen. Just don’t omit the old standbys all at once. That could bring back all the stress we have been trying to eliminate.
What do you remember most about Thanksgivings really? I remember getting together with family and all that involves. I decided one year to ask the kids to say what they were thankful for, and the responses from the little ones were priceless.
My daughter always wanted to get out the Christmas decorations as soon as the meal was eaten. Entering the living room after the dishes were done, I found the men in the family dozing — with loud football sounds in the background. Although my Thanksgivings are different now, the best part is still the time spent with those I love.
If getting together with family is not possible, invite someone else who may be struggling with a solitary holiday. Then decide if you want to make a reservation at one of several restaurants that serve dinner, or prepare it with your guest.
However you spend Thanksgiving, pause, and make a photograph for your brain — one you can pull out later to remember the best parts of the holiday.
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