Thanksgiving – My Prep Ahead Menu
Publishing this on Tuesday so I’m a little late for traditional Thanksgiving Day. We’ve been living abroad for many years so we have our celebration on Saturday as we gave up trying to persuade employers and schools that Thursday and Friday are actually legal holidays. We gather friends and family for a meal, to help the Davinator put up the Christmas lights (see photo below) and to decorate the Christmas trees. Yes, there are two. Used to be three but that’s another story…
I’ve worked on my menu over the years to get to maximum ‘prep ahead’ so I can spend time with everyone. The prep ahead approach avoids the kitchen looking like a bomb site when you get up from the table. There are more vegetarians so the menu caters to them as well. Vegans are another kettle of fish but I’ve noted where recipes are easily adapted. Also, I buy in the main course for the vegetarians when I’m busy but usually make a nut loaf (if no nut allergies).
There are several departures from my family’s traditional menu: no corn casserole, no sweet potatoes with marshmallows,no green bean casserole and no pumpkin or pecan pie. That’s mostly personal taste but also not being able to source some of the usual ingredients.
We traditionally eat around 3 or 4pm so I’ve learned to have snacks available or send out for pizza for the decorating crew. We usually have a break between the main meal and dessert – means everyone can eat more. Which is partly the point.
Make ahead recipes are linked below.
Thanksgiving Menu
- Turkey – everyone has their favourite recipe, I’m a traditionalist, cover mine with bacon and roast it.
- Easy-Make Ahead Stuffing; vegetarian – do ahead
- Nut Loaf
- Turkey gravy – do ahead
- Ultimate Onion Gravy – do ahead
- Make-ahead creamy mashed potatoes – do ahead
- Green Bean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes– do ahead
- Roast carrots
- Cranberry relish (ask a guest to bring)
- Cranberry from a can – it’s a tradition, the children loved the can rings
- Cranberry Apple Crumble – do ahead
- Chocolate dessert (ask a guest to bring)
- Cheese (not everyone has a sweet tooth)
Do Ahead Schedule
Day Minus Three
Easiest day of all – cut the bread for the stuffing and leave it to dry.
We usually have people staying over the weekend, so I check the bedrooms and bathrooms. Clean sheets, heat on, towels, soap and water. Also, I start bringing down the Christmas boxes. It’s good aerobic exercises as they are up in the storeroom on the top floor.
Day Minus Two
- Mashed Potatoes
- Onion Gravy
- Turkey Gravy
Day Minus One
- Stuffing
- Apple & Cranberry Crumble
- Green Bean Salad
Each recipe has its own instructions for re-heating and serving.
Thanksgiving, at its best, is a three-legged stool: food, family, and friends.The food is the magnet that pulls everyone to the same table.
Family is the anchor, the shared history that makes the day feel sacred.
Friends are the spark, the chosen ones who bring laughter and loosen the room.
It is a day to count our blessings.