Monday, November 21, 2011

Let the Cooking Begin!

How many of you are cooking this Thursday? I am and I should be running to the supermarket to get my shopping going. So far the list consists of turkey only but have not decided on the size or anything like that because like always there's someone who RSVP's at the last minute!


Thanksgiving food preparation somehow brings the worst in people because they get really stressed about fully cooking pounds and pounds of turkey meat as well as making it taste delicious... OK, now I'm nervous! In order to bring some peace into your minds and homes on Thanksgiving day here are a few prep tips in order to get thins going.
  1. Make sure you know how many people are attending so you can estimate how much food you'll need. For the undecided, if they are really especial count them in... You can always use the left overs.
  2. If your turkey is frozen do not thaw it at room temperature for more that 2 hours because that when the bacteria in it can start to grow. Transfer the turkey to the refrigerator on a pan that holds all the juices and allow 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds {click HERE for more thawing times}
  3. If you are using your fine or nicer china for the big reunion start putting out all the necessary plates, glasses and silverware. If possible, start arranging the table so if you need to make any last minute adjustments or addition they can be done in a flash.
  4. Print all your recipes in larger fonts and tape them in vertical position that way if you have your hands busy you can easily read them.
  5. If you are going to splurge, do it on fresh good quality ingredients that will make everything taste so much better.

Here are some links that might help you with the planning and something else:


Happy Monday everyone and don't forget to enjoy the prep time!

73 comments:

  1. Too bad my Canadian thanksgiving is over because I wish I had seen these pumpkin turkeys about a month ago :)

    Awesome photos, ideas and blog! Will definitely be stopping by often.

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  2. I am so excited for Thanksgiving. We usually start cooking on Wednesday night and do finishing touches on Thursday! I will be learning all the family secrets this year! HOpe your day is off to a great start!

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  3. haha those little turkeys are so cute!!

    raspberrykitsch.blogspot.com
    xx

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  4. I am not cooking for Thanksgiving. If I was, then nobody would come over.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  5. Thank you so much for these great tips, and have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

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  6. SOunds like a great plan! I won't be cooking but I WILL be baking! xoxo!

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  7. Here in Italy we have not Thanksgiving, but look a very important and nice festival!
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  8. So, is Thanksgiving on Thursday? We don´t have that day here in Iceland, but I can see all over the blogs that it´s a big day :) I like the concept; Thanksgiving. Enjoy the cooking!

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  9. What wonderful advice! I'm so excited for Thursday's feast, and I even did a dry run of our table last night so I knew exactly what I wanted!

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  10. Thanks for the tips and links!:D

    Happy Monday!:D

    ***** Marie *****
    allthingsmarie.com

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  11. very great turkey day advice! we will be having turkey, stuffing, kugel and green bean casserole.

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  12. I am cooking for 16 but not the turkey! I haven't cooked meat in 3 years and my sweet brother in law offered to cook and bring it this year, doesn't get much better than that!

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  13. Sounds like you are a busy bee for thanksgiving--I can only imagine how delicious your meal is going to be Elie! Sending you early wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you're staying warm on this Monday right before the holiday madness begins!

    xo mary jo

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  14. I am a mess at cooking!!! I'll try one of these receipes!!!

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  15. great tips and recipes! Thanks!

    xoxo
    molliee
    http://mstwirlyskirts.com

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  16. I love Thanksgiving! I created all my posts for this week but now I'm like... hmmm, I want to blog about so much more!

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  17. Such great advice!! And you also reminded me that I need to make my grocery list!!! THANK YOU :)

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  18. i'm getting nervous about the impending w/e of cooking and entertaining!

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  19. That photo is so cute. Whne it comes to cooking, I´m just a left hand to my mom-in-law. I still need to learn a lot. Happy cooking. :)

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  20. I'm in need of some good Thanksgiving cocktails - thanks for the link

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  21. Those little turkey pumpkins are adorable!

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  22. Thanks for the recipe links! I just found out I'm hosting Thanksgiving, so these will come in handy! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  23. Our NYC apartment is too small to host a gathering for extended family, so we always have a "get out of jail free!" card for holiday stresses :-)

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  24. I love the holiday aesthetics...it's all in the little details!

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  25. i wish we were hosting. we are doing it at familys but are still in charge of some things which i find hard to pick things that you can cook at home and bring over and then warm up! argh!

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  26. I am cooking this year (scary!!!) for a few friends. Thankfully we'll have a lot of wine at hand so if the food sucks we can all be distracted :) My favorite dish is green bean casserole - I may make one extra one just for me.

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  27. Thankfully I won't be cooking but I'll probably see if my grandma needs help :)
    I'm SO excited for turkey...mmmmmm
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  28. Hehe! I never cook on holidays. Too much work. I prefer to do all of the eating ;)

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  29. Great Thanksgiving tips, Elie! I have never attempted Thanksgiving dinner but I would keep these in mind if I did! xo style, she wrote

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  30. such great links! SO excited for Turkey day..can't wait! x

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  31. Great tips! I actually love cooking for Thanksgiving but I'm not going to this year. Nonetheless, I cannot wait for the holiday :) xoxo

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  32. I almost dread the day I'm officially grown up enough I have to start cooking instead of getting assignments for things like corn.

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  33. Great links! I drive to northern CA from Los Angeles for Thanksgiving. My family never asks me to bring anything but candy. Maybe I should consider making candy rather than buying it, so I can participate in the fun!
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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  34. Those turkey pumpkins are so super cute!
    Xoxo

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  35. I'm hosting the dinner, but won't be cooking. I ordered the full menu via online. xoxo
    http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/

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  36. I'm so lucky - I got to celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving last month and now we're celebrating the American One (my husband's American) -
    I just made cranberry sauce from scratch for the first time (recipe on my blog) and it came out AMAZINGLY! I love all the smells and tastes of Thanksgiving! Great advice here Elie and a really good reminder about the turkey//bacteria issue. I hope you have a lovely, lovely Thanksgiving with friends and family. xox

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  37. Great tips! Those pumpkin turkeys are adorable!

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  38. good luck with your meal prep! i'm so excited to enjoy a big meal with family.

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  39. Ooh I totally need these links. Cooking my first turkey this year! Wish me luck!

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  40. Wonderful advice!!! And good luck girl, your soiree will be fab! I'm getting half of it catered. LOL I can't wait until Turkey day! :D
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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  41. We don't celebrate thanksgiving but I have constantly been cooking and funnily enough it's coinciding with thanksgiving. Great tips!

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  42. Sounds like a delish thanksgiving!
    Thanks for visiting my blog - i love yours, its just gorgeous.
    Angie x

    http://aisforlove.blogspot.com

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  43. Oh I just love the name cards.

    Enjoy all the tiny details that come with this wonderful season.

    xx

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  44. Great tips! However, I won't be needing them as I'm spoiled and will have people cooking FOR me, yay!

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  45. super cute ideas!!! It's so hard to focus on anything but the upcoming holidays! I can't wait!

    XOXO

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  46. Very smart! We just decided to do Thanksgiving this year so yikes!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  47. Great Tips. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for Thanksgiving! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I've got a thanksgiving post where I share ideas on what to wear and how to decor. Love to hear what you think. Xo
    GlamThings

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  48. i seriously dread the day that i am in charge of making the meal!

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  49. Loving those name cards! Great tips :)

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  50. Awesome tips!
    Love those place cards!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  51. I'm not cooking.
    Out of practice. ;)

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  52. i'm in charge of the green bean casserole. kind of nervous for my first big dish. we shall see. fingers crossed!
    xo TJ

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  53. Happy Turkey Day coming up soon! :)

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  54. Fun! I'm going to my Mom's this year, although I'm still baking the desserts. Have a beautiful time!

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  55. Great tips! The one about recipes made me think twice about having the iPad out on the counter to display recipes as I cook... hmm... :)

    The countdown is on!

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  56. omg those pumpkin turkies are so cute!

    GTBB,
    http://badjoan.blogspot.com
    http://cookingjoan.blogspot.com

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  57. I love the pumpkin turkies! they are so cute!

    xx

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  58. Happy Thanksgiving have a wonderful time cooking and great tip on printing the recipes!

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  59. we have already had our thanksgiving up here in Canada, but I am bookmarking this post for next year. Thanks :)

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  60. i'm getting hungry just thinking about all the food!! happy thanksgiving week!! have fun preparing :) yay!

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  61. happy thanksgiving! i love the idea of printing out recipes. i have never cooked a turkey before and won't be cooking this thanksgiving. but it's my first family thanksgiving in a while, so i'm making a still tbd appetizer :)

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  62. Lovely tips! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the holidays, Kellie xx

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  63. Those pumpkin turkeys are super cute. Hope you have a great day. x

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  64. We don't really celebrate thanksgiving here in Brazil, but after this post I feel like roasting a turkey!


    Camila Faria

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  65. GREAT TIPS, GOOD LUCK WITH THE COOKING AND VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
    XXX

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  66. If only I could cook! Lovely post :)
    Aimee
    www.new-yorkdoll.blogspot.com
    xxx

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  67. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Will miss that here in London. One of the most beautiful evening to share in America. I should probably start a tradition here, but that will be next year. Doing a winter dinner in a few weeks instead.
    Enjoy!

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  68. Helpful links! I won't be cooking too much...i leave that to my mom - lol! :)

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  69. ahhhhhhhh!! cute pumpkin turkeys!! and wonderful links!! have a happy thanksgiving!!

    allister bee blog

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