If you are anything like a regular American family, then you probably remember the list of things that are needed to be done to make your Thanksgiving dinner perfect. You probably remember it on the eve, while you are listing things on your finger before bed or worst still, half an hour before the guests start to arrive. But what is the secret to a perfect Thanksgiving dinner? When do you need to start planning for it? The answer to the perfect Thanksgiving dinner is right here, and the time frame required is ideally 2 weeks!
Two Weeks Before
No, you don’t need to just start inviting now. You need to start making lists too. Plan your dinner! How many guests would be invited? What are their preferences? Do any of them have special needs? Plan your menu, write down the ingredient list, and the time for preparation that you will need for each one of them.
Which of these items can you prepare beforehand and which need to be prepared on the spot? Make a list and organize your cooking schedule accordingly. Also make sure that you separate the lists for perishable goods that can be purchased beforehand and the non-perishable goods that need to be purchased on the spot.
One Week Before
Clean out the refrigerator to make room for the groceries and the star of your dinner – the Turkey. If you are purchasing a frozen turkey, then purchase it one week before and store it at the back of your refrigerator to keep it cool. Although for better taste and healthier solutions, opt for fresh meat and order it beforehand to get it on time. Many vendors like The Butcher Shop offer natural and chemical free range of meat to choose from.
Also, purchase your non-perishable, preferably organic, food items that will be required. Check if you have all the necessary utensils and pans to avoid any last minute hiccups. Make sure that you purchase the right size of turkey for your dinner. Ideally, 1.3 pounds of turkey is enough for one person, so if you have 12 guests, then you will need a 15.6 pound turkey.
3 Days before Thanksgiving
It is time to start ironing your linens, designating the platters and making your cranberry sauce. If you have opted for a frozen turkey, then make sure that you move it to the refrigerator in due time. For every 5 pounds of turkey, you need to thaw it at least a day in advance. So for 15 pounds, it would be three days in advance. Do not place your turkey in room temperature or it will start breeding bacteria.
2 Days before Thanksgiving
It is time to get your turkey and brine it for a juicier and richer taste. If you are serving frozen desserts, then it is time to move them to the refrigerator.
1 Day Before
Now is the time for making final preparations. Purchase your salad greens, seafood and fresh bread. You can also make your mashed potatoes ahead of time to reduce the work load.
The Day!
Now just work like a dream and follow your regular turkey dinner preparation, without the hassles, confusions and mishaps of course!
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