Are you taking it upon yourself to host Thanksgiving this year? Well, have no fear! With some preparation, the day will go successfully. Here’s a few tips and considerations to help you along.
Cooking turkey, ham, or roast dinner can be an amazing experience, but it’s also a lot of work and expensive. Local grocery stores and restaurants realize this and provide catering options that are pretty affordable if you are hosting 8 to 10 people. Here’s a list of a few places that offer Thanksgiving catering in the Greater Phoenix area: https://www.tripsavvy.com/thanksgiving-to-go-local-market-2681796.
Sides: A starchy side such as mashed sweet potatoes or au gratin potatoes and a vegetable is typically all you need to accompany the main course. Sides should be started about 1 to 1 ½ hours before the meat is done to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Desserts: After pouring your heart and soul into an amazing meal, no one is going to fault you for buying dessert from your favorite bakery. If you prefer to bake at home, it’s a good idea to prepare desserts a day or two before Thanksgiving as the main courses will be taking up the stove and oven space that day. Also, consider these no-bake sweet treats! https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2887/138-no-bake-desserts/
Happy Holidays from ELA!
Decide if you want to cook or have it catered
One of the best parts about cooking your own Thanksgiving dinner is you can have all the nuances of flavor and ingredients you most enjoy eating plus leftovers. There’s something about cooking a large, wholesome meal at home that makes your place feel cozy and inviting.Cooking turkey, ham, or roast dinner can be an amazing experience, but it’s also a lot of work and expensive. Local grocery stores and restaurants realize this and provide catering options that are pretty affordable if you are hosting 8 to 10 people. Here’s a list of a few places that offer Thanksgiving catering in the Greater Phoenix area: https://www.tripsavvy.com/thanksgiving-to-go-local-market-2681796.
Consider Your Guests
How many people are coming over? Make sure you have enough seating and dinnerware. Also, do any of your guests have food allergies or preferences to consider? You may need some gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan options. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your friends and family either. Hosting a potluck style meal where everyone brings their favorite side dish can be less work on you and a great way to try new foods!Dinner Prep
The Turkey and Such: The main considerations with turkey is how do you want it cooked—baked, barbequed, fried. The most traditional method is to slow bake it. Cooking it in a bag is a simple and full-proof method for a delicious, juicy turkey. Basting is another method that many swear by, but it requires you to give the bird constant attention. If interested, here’s how to baste a turkey: https://www.thespruceeats.com/turkey-basting-recipe-335467. Also, do you want to stuff your turkey? From a food safety standpoint, many are opting not to stuff turkeys anymore. Other options are to buy a pre-cooked ham and warm it or make a roast dinner with a nice, large London broil or prime rib steak.Sides: A starchy side such as mashed sweet potatoes or au gratin potatoes and a vegetable is typically all you need to accompany the main course. Sides should be started about 1 to 1 ½ hours before the meat is done to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Desserts: After pouring your heart and soul into an amazing meal, no one is going to fault you for buying dessert from your favorite bakery. If you prefer to bake at home, it’s a good idea to prepare desserts a day or two before Thanksgiving as the main courses will be taking up the stove and oven space that day. Also, consider these no-bake sweet treats! https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2887/138-no-bake-desserts/
Backup Plans
Everyone has a Thanksgiving disaster story! The dog or cat ate the turkey. You forgot to thaw it out. The stove broke. It’s wise to keep a note of restaurants near you that host Thanksgiving dinner in case your’s goes awry. Plan on it being a success though!Happy Holidays from ELA!
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