The Thanksgiving feast is one of the most important meals of the year, and if you've ever been frazzled in the kitchen because you didn't defrost the bird in time, or forgot to pick up some of the basics, plan ahead to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Follow these tips for making sure your Thanksgiving feast is a success:
- Since the general rule for defrosting a whole frozen turkey is to allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey, if you're figuring on a 20-pound bird, it'll need to spend about 4 days in the fridge to be ready to roast. For a turkey breast or turkey parts, about 1 to 2 days should do the trick. If you want to skip the defrosting, just buy a fresh turkey, but make that decision well in advance, to give yourself options.
- For smooth sailing on the big day, the week or weekend before the holiday, take inventory of table linens, dishes, silver, and utensils. Make sure everything's clean and pressed or, if it's acceptable and easier for your gang, pick up disposable tableware. Either way, set the table the day before.
- A few days before the holiday should be close enough to buy our perishables like fresh produce for veggie go-alongs and salads.
- If you're baking pies, it's fine to plan on baking them a day or two before the holiday.
Get ready to be relaxed on Thanksgiving... and remember to mention your thanks for family and friends.
