Monday, November 21, 2016

                     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.