Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner - Simple Steps to a Stress-free Thanksgiving Meal

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner seems to be something that can consume a person for at least a week prior to the event. I guess most would be more stressful than mine usually are because I know who will be attending and the time the dinner will be served. In attendance, me and I eat whenever the mood hits me. I have grown to enjoy this day. As a result of work schedules and family distance I have had an opportunity to spend Thanksgiving alone on several occasions. So, I would like to share the simplicity of at least making dinner. The scheduling, cooking and cleaning for 20+ other people is something that can be resolved, but this is about FOOD. And I make a lot of it. Freezing and leftovers can be amazing.

The bird. If you do not like the drumsticks, necks, dark meat or gizzards go with a turkey breast . The breasts are more expensive, but if you never eat any other part of the turkey, do not waste money on food you will throw away. I like to buy a big bird and bake it in the morning, there is nothing like that smell wafting through the house.

During the time the turkey is baking, prep work is key. Peel both white potatoes and sweet potatoes/yams which you have washed prior to this task. These can be stored each in their own bowl of cold water and kept in the fridge if it is going to be awhile before they are cooked. Later they will become mashed potatoes and either a really good casserole of sweet potatoes or just boiled and cut into small bites with a sweet brown sugar glaze. The sweet potato casserole is very good but if no time or money to buy the extras it takes, make the regular sweet potatoes. Make sure you have butter and brown sugar on hand. Another recipe is the corn bread stuffing and if you do not make the whole deal, a box of corn bread stuffing really does the trick. Frozen vegetables are the healthiest for us (next to fresh), use what you like and make your personal favorite vegetable. Put some butter and pepper on the vegetables and allow them to sit on the back burner of your stove (warm from the oven). You can also use canned yams and instant style mashed potatoes if you prefer. Make or buy turkey gravy. If you did not buy or make a special bread, save the bread for the turkey sandwiches to come.

Be grateful for the food you prepare and the time and ability you have to prepare it. Invite friends over on one of those weekend days for leftovers if you want. Sometime during the preparation, make a pumpkin pie or bake the "pie filing" in a deep glass bowl. The recipe is on the side of any can of pumpkin, read it in the store though so you are sure you have everything. Do not forget the whipped cream.

Clean as you go and enjoy your day. When you actually boil potatoes, cook vegetables and bake the pies is up to you. If using frozen vegetables, wipe off the outside of the pan if necessary, it can have some condensation. Let your kitchen timer be your friend. Put the bird in the fridge if you have not eaten it within 2 hours or so of it being completely out of the oven. Use a meat thermometer when baking unless you have a ready pop indicator. For any specific recommendations for temperatures, cooling process and cooking time, use your resources! Mom, sister, the 1-800#, the world wide web or the turkey label. Be careful you do not pull the label from the trash and it drips all over you or the floor.

Most of us are probably not alone on Thanksgiving, so those of you who are cooking for 2+ be more relaxed if you are one to stress out. Allow for help. If you are having a whole group in and someone asks what they can bring, answer them with the specific item if this will help you. If you play your cards right, the entire meal will be delivered. Hey, maybe I want to have people over! Enjoy your meals. If you know someone who is alone and not by choice, invite them over or take them a plate.