Countdown to Thanksgiving:
How
to pull off a stress-free Holiday Meal
It’s
the biggest event of the year for America! We’re talking bigger than NFL
Opening Night, Kentucky Derby, NBA All-Star and Super Bowl combined! If you’ve
given up, I’m talking about Thanksgiving 2016! A day about Tradition, Food,
Family and Fun! Don’t forget to add a huge dollop of Fear among those daring to
host the annual Thanksgiving feast. Succulent Turkey, juicy slices of Ham,
cranberry sauce, buttered mashed potatoes and that gorgeous traditional turkey
stuffing. While it gets our stomachs rumbling, an amber alert goes off in the
minds of those who have undertaken this huge task of preparing the meal. Don’t
cave under pressure, just follow our life-saving tips for a stress-free
Thanksgiving.
1.
Prepare
a Guest List a month in advance
Are you
used to having your family members and friends randomly showing up at your
house for Thanksgiving? If not, make sure you compile a Thanksgiving guest list
including +1s and children at least a month in advance. The RSVPs for the
dinner should be in your hand at least two weeks before Thanksgiving. Make sure
you ask if anyone has any food allergies or beverage preferences and avoid an
awkward situation on Thanksgiving Day.
2.
Plan
your Menu
Decide
on what kind of menu you want to have, whether Traditional, Thanksgiving Feast
or Modern Mishmash of recipes. Do you want to try out a fusion recipe or stick
to the classic? Are you planning to make everything yourself or are you going
to buy a few items ready-made? If you want your guests to bring any item make
sure you discuss it with them and only then add it to your menu.
3. Decide
on the main course
This is
probably the most important part of your prep. What are you planning to make
this year? Do you want to serve your famous Turkey or try something new like a
brisket or honey-glazed ham?? Make sure you plan in advance so you can get the
best meat and you won’t have to rely on frozen super market leftovers. If you
want the best meat, even your choice of cuts make sure you visit the Golden
West Food Group website www.gwfg.com. They offer a wide selection of meats –
beef, turkey, ham, chicken, even halal meat according to your likes.
4.
Shopping
in advance
To have
the best Thanksgiving dinner this year, make the butcher and the grocer your
best friends. They will they save the best selection of meat and the best
produce for you. Select and purchase everything in advance so you don’t have to
send your husband to the supermarket missing game day for the last bottle of
baking powder! Whether it’s the turkey or a pecan pie from your favorite bakery
or even a fully prepared Thanksgiving meal, pre order ASAP. Thanksgiving is one
of the busiest time of the year and you don’t want to be left empty-handed.
5.
Plan
your cooking schedule
Read
all the recipes carefully to maximize cooking time and prepare ahead of time.
Get a head start on desserts and store in the freezer. Try to make sauces and
pie crusts ahead of time and even pick a bread roll recipe that you can freeze
ahead of time and save hours of cooking on Thanksgiving Day.
6.
Make it visible
Don’t
miss a beat and print out a Thanksgiving 2016 checklist and tick off each item
as you’re done with it. You can download them for free at various websites.
7.
Stick to your game plan on Thanksgiving Day
Preheat
your oven first thing in the morning and get started on the Turkey. Take out
all stored items like bread, soup, sides or vegetables and defrost at room
temperature. Stock the fridge with wine, beer or your signature Sangria.
Thanksgiving is all about the food. Don’t let the process
overwhelm you. Listen to your favorite song, open up a bottle of bubbly and
hang out with family. While it’s vital to get everything done on time, you
shouldn’t lose focus on what’s really matters – Eat, Drink and give thanks. For
more tips and tricks to host the best Thanksgiving you can visit www.gwfg.com – your one stop shop for all things
Thanksgiving.