from the second step
written by blynda purdy
I was recently shopping and overheard another customer ask where the Thanksgiving decor was… The salesperson replied that there were some napkins and also pointed out some Fall wreaths and candles, but then replied, “We used to have things for Thanksgiving, but now it’s all Halloween and Christmas…” It struck me that this is probably how many view this November holiday— as the one stuck between…
I wrote in a previous post that Thanksgiving has become a treasured time for our family. I decided a number of years ago that it would hold a significant place in my Fall calendar and planning, and I’m so glad I did. We have all come to love that there is a day (actually a week) that we can focus our thoughts on gratitude. God is good, and even in difficult seasons there is much that deserves thankfulness. This year as we head into November I find my heart swelling with gratitude for our precious granddaughter Lucie who arrived last November. The year has held significant medical issues for her, yet even in those challenges we have seen beautiful moments and experienced miraculous peace… And she’s the cutest, funniest little dumpling— there’s just so much for which to be thankful!!!
Now I know full well for the cooks in the family this is also a day/week of lots of WORK. There is planning, shopping, chopping, baking along with a detailed logistics schedule that rivals a football playbook 🤪 My family loves having the same menu each year for Thanksgiving Day, so the planning party is relatively easy for me at this point. One year I had a revolt on my hands as I suggested we change it all up… so, nope; tradition it is at my house.
Since the meal I serve is FULL of lots of yummy side dishes to accompany turkey and cornbread dressing along with a dessert smorgasbord, I had to find a way to get to the actual meal without falling asleep in my gravy… I strategized and developed a plan that has proven successful for over 15 years— I actually cook from beginning to end only one thing on the actual day of Thanksgiving… It is magical! Everyone wants to come help because it’s easy and fun— we can even play a round or two of our favorite games while things finish up in the oven!! Here is my strategy (hope you find it helpful and freeing!):
• I assemble all of my casserole-type side dishes including my semi-famous cornbread dressing two-three weeks ahead and freeze them PRE-BAKED in the dishes they will be served in. I wrap them well in foil and write exact baking directions directly on the top foil layer (who wants to have to look at recipes?). I take them out of the freezer and place them in the frig two days prior to serving day and bake them fresh for the meal time. Another benefit to this: it forces a clean out of my freezer before Christmas 😂
• I cook any fresh veggie dishes one to two days before and then only warm them slowly on the day of. This strategy also applies to any crudités items, dips and desserts. I also often ask others to bring these types of items since they don’t need as much oven time.
• I cook my turkey the day before Thanksgiving. We carve it leaving the breasts in tact as well as the drumsticks. I place all the meat in a large roasting pan and cover with some of the drippings and a little chicken stock and wrap well with foil. This way the mess is clean, the carcass disposed of and my pretty Fall apron without a spot on Thanksgiving! We take it out of the oven, slice the large pieces, and voila…
• My favorite hack: the gravy recipe below… I make it two days before, store it in the frig in a Dutch oven and heat it slowly on the day of. It’s delicious and takes away the last minute gravy craziness!! IYKYK!
• Thanksgiving morning: I make my mashed potatoes and then place them in a well- buttered crock pot on warm. They are perfect every time!
I make a detailed schedule of what time everything needs to go in the oven— this takes a little practice but is doable whether you have one oven or two… You just have to be creative and find serving dishes that fit together like a puzzle 😂 I pre-set my tables the night before, so literally the only things I actually have to do are look cute and “cook” the mashed potatoes 🙌🏻
You may love the mayhem of cooking all in one day— if so, go for it! If you don’t, try this or some other strategy that fits your personality. The key here: ENJOY THE DAY! Give thanks, love your people, be generous and celebrate your blessings! If you need time for mourning— do that, too… holidays are full of all kinds of emotions for all kinds of reasons. Use this day set aside for reflection as just that and not a random day stuck between Halloween and Christmas. Your soul (and your family) will be glad you did…
So thankful for y’all
🧡 blynda