This is from 2010 -- I do things more simply now (no stuffing inside turkey and gravy's all done but adding the drippings) and this year we'll be 8 instead of 12, but this is an example of how I stay sane and enjoy the day by writing a detailed schedule ... the best part is knowing when I DON'T have to do anything, so I can go for a walk, sit on the porch, and enjoy conversations with friends without half my brain being back in the kitchen wondering if I need to be doing something ... I keep a timer in my pocket and when it goes off, I go to the kitchen and see what's next on the list. ENJOY THE DAY and GIVE THANKS!!!
MENU
Olives, Nuts – J; Stuffed Mushrooms – E/L; Salmon Pate – R/S
* * *
Turkey – L [Turkey 15+ lbs ]
Giblet Gravy – J; Oyster-Nut Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes – JLu
Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry-Raspberry-Relish – JLu
Brussels Sprouts w/ Bacon & Figs – R/S
Purple Cauliflower Casserole – M/A
Roasted Winter Vegetables – E/L
Praline Sweet Potato Casserole – A/S
* * *
Pumpkin Pie w/ whipped cream – A/S
Galettes w/ cardamom ice cream – E/L
Pumpkin Bread Pudding – M/A
* * *
TIME TABLE
9:45 Prepare Veg for Gravy & start Stock
Prepare Stuffing, set aside enough to stuff turkey, the rest to baking dish covered w/ foil
Set table
11:00 Turkey out of fridge; Strain Stock
11:45 Preheat upper oven 325º ; Fill Pitchers w/ Water; Mineral Water to Fridge
12:15 Turkey in, Breast down
1:30 Mashed Potato Casserole out of fridge
2:00 Mashed Potato Casserole into crock pot on Low; Baste Turkey
3:00 Stir Mashed Potato Casserole; Baste Turkey & turn Breast Up
Get out Serving utensils (which were cleaned or polished last week)
3:30 Preheat lower oven 350º
3:45 Baking Pan of Stuffing into lower oven
4:00 Stir Mashed Potato Casserole; Baste Turkey
Sweet Potato Casserole into lower oven uncovered
4:15 Uncover Baking Pan of Stuffing
Roasted Vegetables into lower oven uncovered
4:30 Turkey out [thigh temp 165º]
Add liver & finish Gravy [1 TBS flour for each TBS of fat]
Uncover stuffing in baking dish
Preheat Warming Drawer
Cranberry Sauce & Cran-Rasp relish to buffet & table
4:35 Baste & add Pecans to Sweet Potato Casserole
Cauliflower Casserole into oven
Plates to Warming Drawer; Pour water; Open wines
Melt 2-3 TB Butter in Microwave
4:45 Stir Mashed Potato Casserole & Add melted butter
Gravy into gravy boat & pitcher (gravy boat to table)
Reheat Brussels Sprouts in Microwave
Sweet Potato Casserole out
Baking Pan of Stuffing out (recover to keep warm)
Light Candles
Carve Turkey (platter w/ Grapes, Parsley)
5:00-ish -- EAT and GIVE THANKS!
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