I don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving Day preparations used to have me worn out by the time we were ready to eat. It took us all-day, starting off with getting the turkey ready at the crack of dawn and winding down with a fury of last minute activity.
Checking every course for proper seasoning, it seemed like I’d been smelling and eating the whole time. At long last, after too many years of this tradition, I was given a do-ahead recipe book, which filled my head with lots of thanksgiving food ideas! Nowadays, the only thing that worries me on the big day is putting the turkey in the oven and making a pot of coffee after dinner. Here are some tips for trouble-free and yummy Thanksgiving dinner recipe ideas.
As an alternative to tackling the mammoth job of shifting all the food in your frig to make room for a 20 pound turkey, try this tip from a knowledgeable Naval chef. Pick up the frozen bird at the shop the day before Thanksgiving. (Be sure you order well ahead of time!) Fill a big cooler with enough ice-cold water to submerge the turkey. Close the lid and right before you head for bed, turn the bird over. By the morning, the turkey will be ready for cooking. This method has been utilized for years and is very doable.
Have you ever wondered why your turkey don’t cook in the time allotted on the packaging instructions. Opening the oven to baste the bird is why. This thanksgiving dish idea is a beauty. Melt a stick of butter and add some seasonings. Slip your fingers between the skin of the turkey breast and leg, gently pulling the skin clear of the meat. Position the turkey on end and pour the butter in between the meat and skin, with your (clean!) fingers to apply the butter. Position the turkey breast side up on the oven rack, wrap with thin-foil and put it in the oven. The turkey bastes itself. Foolproof.
A large amount traditional Thanks Giving pastries, such as mince pies and pumpkin pies, are ideal do-ahead’s. Just freeze, take out and defrost the day before and bake the evening before Thanks Giving. The same goes for rolls and cakes.
While your pies bake, prepare the vegetables you’ll use in your filling. Flavour and bag up in the frig until the a.m.. Clean and bake potatoes, then put them in a bag for mashing the next day. Sauces? This can be cooking while you’re chopping.
Good Thanksgiving meal ideas share one thing in common - a reduced work load and more Thanksgiving on T-Day! Do-ahead starters are often the most elaborate and tasty. Look for ideas online that good with your menu and liking. Purchase these items a couple of weeks ahead of time and spend a day off prepare these appetizers. Freeze them and forget until the big day. As you prep the bird, bake your appetizers.
These Thanksgiving dinners ideas affords for lots of free time for meet & greet and chatting, with a tasty spread everyone adores!
