Monday, November 21, 2011

Let the Cooking Begin!

How many of you are cooking this Thursday? I am and I should be running to the supermarket to get my shopping going. So far the list consists of turkey only but have not decided on the size or anything like that because like always there's someone who RSVP's at the last minute!


Thanksgiving food preparation somehow brings the worst in people because they get really stressed about fully cooking pounds and pounds of turkey meat as well as making it taste delicious... OK, now I'm nervous! In order to bring some peace into your minds and homes on Thanksgiving day here are a few prep tips in order to get thins going.
  1. Make sure you know how many people are attending so you can estimate how much food you'll need. For the undecided, if they are really especial count them in... You can always use the left overs.
  2. If your turkey is frozen do not thaw it at room temperature for more that 2 hours because that when the bacteria in it can start to grow. Transfer the turkey to the refrigerator on a pan that holds all the juices and allow 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds {click HERE for more thawing times}
  3. If you are using your fine or nicer china for the big reunion start putting out all the necessary plates, glasses and silverware. If possible, start arranging the table so if you need to make any last minute adjustments or addition they can be done in a flash.
  4. Print all your recipes in larger fonts and tape them in vertical position that way if you have your hands busy you can easily read them.
  5. If you are going to splurge, do it on fresh good quality ingredients that will make everything taste so much better.

Here are some links that might help you with the planning and something else:


Happy Monday everyone and don't forget to enjoy the prep time!
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73 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 21, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Too bad my Canadian thanksgiving is over because I wish I had seen these pumpkin turkeys about a month ago :)

    Awesome photos, ideas and blog! Will definitely be stopping by often.

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  2. Hilliary MeisnerNovember 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I am so excited for Thanksgiving. We usually start cooking on Wednesday night and do finishing touches on Thursday! I will be learning all the family secrets this year! HOpe your day is off to a great start!

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  3. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    haha those little turkeys are so cute!!

    raspberrykitsch.blogspot.com
    xx

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  4. BonnieNovember 21, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    I am not cooking for Thanksgiving. If I was, then nobody would come over.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  5. Lisa GordonNovember 21, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Thank you so much for these great tips, and have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

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  6. StephanieNovember 21, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    SOunds like a great plan! I won't be cooking but I WILL be baking! xoxo!

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  7. Silvia NegrettiNovember 21, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Here in Italy we have not Thanksgiving, but look a very important and nice festival!
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  8. IngaNovember 21, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    So, is Thanksgiving on Thursday? We don´t have that day here in Iceland, but I can see all over the blogs that it´s a big day :) I like the concept; Thanksgiving. Enjoy the cooking!

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  9. ONovember 21, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Looks like a blast :) xoxo

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  10. A Crimson KissNovember 21, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    What wonderful advice! I'm so excited for Thursday's feast, and I even did a dry run of our table last night so I knew exactly what I wanted!

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  11. MarieNovember 21, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Thanks for the tips and links!:D

    Happy Monday!:D

    ***** Marie *****
    allthingsmarie.com

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  12. Oh to Be a MuseNovember 21, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    very great turkey day advice! we will be having turkey, stuffing, kugel and green bean casserole.

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  13. jeanette from everton terraceNovember 21, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    I am cooking for 16 but not the turkey! I haven't cooked meat in 3 years and my sweet brother in law offered to cook and bring it this year, doesn't get much better than that!

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  14. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Sounds like you are a busy bee for thanksgiving--I can only imagine how delicious your meal is going to be Elie! Sending you early wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you're staying warm on this Monday right before the holiday madness begins!

    xo mary jo

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  15. Selvaggia CapizziNovember 21, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I am a mess at cooking!!! I'll try one of these receipes!!!

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  16. MollieeNovember 21, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    great tips and recipes! Thanks!

    xoxo
    molliee
    http://mstwirlyskirts.com

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  17. Tiffany KadaniNovember 21, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I love Thanksgiving! I created all my posts for this week but now I'm like... hmmm, I want to blog about so much more!

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  18. Alena: Oh, Its Just Perfect!November 21, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Such great advice!! And you also reminded me that I need to make my grocery list!!! THANK YOU :)

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  19. kNovember 21, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    i'm getting nervous about the impending w/e of cooking and entertaining!

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  20. GleeNovember 21, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    That photo is so cute. Whne it comes to cooking, I´m just a left hand to my mom-in-law. I still need to learn a lot. Happy cooking. :)

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  21. roothNovember 21, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    I'm in need of some good Thanksgiving cocktails - thanks for the link

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  22. NikkiNovember 21, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Those little turkey pumpkins are adorable!

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  23. Tamra {ever swoon}November 21, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Thanks for the recipe links! I just found out I'm hosting Thanksgiving, so these will come in handy! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  24. GloriaNovember 21, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Our NYC apartment is too small to host a gathering for extended family, so we always have a "get out of jail free!" card for holiday stresses :-)

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  25. JohannaNovember 21, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I love the holiday aesthetics...it's all in the little details!

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  26. HollyNovember 21, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    i wish we were hosting. we are doing it at familys but are still in charge of some things which i find hard to pick things that you can cook at home and bring over and then warm up! argh!

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  27. MeganNovember 21, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I am cooking this year (scary!!!) for a few friends. Thankfully we'll have a lot of wine at hand so if the food sucks we can all be distracted :) My favorite dish is green bean casserole - I may make one extra one just for me.

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  28. Closet FashionistaNovember 21, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Thankfully I won't be cooking but I'll probably see if my grandma needs help :)
    I'm SO excited for turkey...mmmmmm
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  29. Leeann @ Join the GossipNovember 21, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Hehe! I never cook on holidays. Too much work. I prefer to do all of the eating ;)

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  30. Style, She WroteNovember 21, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Great Thanksgiving tips, Elie! I have never attempted Thanksgiving dinner but I would keep these in mind if I did! xo style, she wrote

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  31. FRANKIE HEARTS FASHIONNovember 21, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    such great links! SO excited for Turkey day..can't wait! x

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  32. THE ALTERNATIVE WIFENovember 21, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Great tips! I actually love cooking for Thanksgiving but I'm not going to this year. Nonetheless, I cannot wait for the holiday :) xoxo

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  33. JamieNovember 21, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    I almost dread the day I'm officially grown up enough I have to start cooking instead of getting assignments for things like corn.

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  34. JoNovember 21, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Great links! I drive to northern CA from Los Angeles for Thanksgiving. My family never asks me to bring anything but candy. Maybe I should consider making candy rather than buying it, so I can participate in the fun!
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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  35. xoxoNovember 21, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Those turkey pumpkins are so super cute!
    Xoxo

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  36. OneCraftyFoxNovember 21, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Hope it's all too wonderful!!

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  37. Kathy November 21, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    I'm hosting the dinner, but won't be cooking. I ordered the full menu via online. xoxo
    http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/

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  38. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I'm so lucky - I got to celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving last month and now we're celebrating the American One (my husband's American) -
    I just made cranberry sauce from scratch for the first time (recipe on my blog) and it came out AMAZINGLY! I love all the smells and tastes of Thanksgiving! Great advice here Elie and a really good reminder about the turkey//bacteria issue. I hope you have a lovely, lovely Thanksgiving with friends and family. xox

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  39. CarrollNovember 21, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Great tips! Those pumpkin turkeys are adorable!

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  40. honey my heartNovember 21, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    good luck with your meal prep! i'm so excited to enjoy a big meal with family.

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  41. AlexaNovember 22, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Ooh I totally need these links. Cooking my first turkey this year! Wish me luck!

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  42. A Very Sweet BlogNovember 22, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    Wonderful advice!!! And good luck girl, your soiree will be fab! I'm getting half of it catered. LOL I can't wait until Turkey day! :D
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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  43. A Life Un-StyledNovember 22, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    We don't celebrate thanksgiving but I have constantly been cooking and funnily enough it's coinciding with thanksgiving. Great tips!

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  44. AngieNovember 22, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    Sounds like a delish thanksgiving!
    Thanks for visiting my blog - i love yours, its just gorgeous.
    Angie x

    http://aisforlove.blogspot.com

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  45. Priscilla JoyNovember 22, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Oh I just love the name cards.

    Enjoy all the tiny details that come with this wonderful season.

    xx

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  46. JillianNovember 22, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Great tips! However, I won't be needing them as I'm spoiled and will have people cooking FOR me, yay!

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  47. love jenny xoxoNovember 22, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    super cute ideas!!! It's so hard to focus on anything but the upcoming holidays! I can't wait!

    XOXO

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  48. little luxury listNovember 22, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Very smart! We just decided to do Thanksgiving this year so yikes!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  49. Yelena StarikovaNovember 22, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Great Tips. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for Thanksgiving! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I've got a thanksgiving post where I share ideas on what to wear and how to decor. Love to hear what you think. Xo
    GlamThings

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  50. amy b.s.November 22, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    i seriously dread the day that i am in charge of making the meal!

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  51. Audrey AllureNovember 22, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Loving those name cards! Great tips :)

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  52. Couture CarrieNovember 22, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Awesome tips!
    Love those place cards!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  53. {The Perfect Palette}November 22, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Thanks for the recipes and how to's! xo

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  54. AnonymousNovember 22, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    I'm not cooking.
    Out of practice. ;)

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  55. his little ladyNovember 22, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    i'm in charge of the green bean casserole. kind of nervous for my first big dish. we shall see. fingers crossed!
    xo TJ

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  56. SumNovember 22, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Happy Turkey Day coming up soon! :)

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  57. White TapestryNovember 22, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Fun! I'm going to my Mom's this year, although I'm still baking the desserts. Have a beautiful time!

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  58. Cara KuhlNovember 22, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Great tips! The one about recipes made me think twice about having the iPad out on the counter to display recipes as I cook... hmm... :)

    The countdown is on!

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  59. Bad JoanNovember 22, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    omg those pumpkin turkies are so cute!

    GTBB,
    http://badjoan.blogspot.com
    http://cookingjoan.blogspot.com

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  60. AnonymousNovember 22, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    I love the pumpkin turkies! they are so cute!

    xx

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  61. MoniqueNovember 22, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    Happy Thanksgiving have a wonderful time cooking and great tip on printing the recipes!

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  62. jozenNovember 23, 2011 at 12:58 AM

    we have already had our thanksgiving up here in Canada, but I am bookmarking this post for next year. Thanks :)

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  63. AnonymousNovember 23, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    i'm getting hungry just thinking about all the food!! happy thanksgiving week!! have fun preparing :) yay!

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  64. heatherNovember 23, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    happy thanksgiving! i love the idea of printing out recipes. i have never cooked a turkey before and won't be cooking this thanksgiving. but it's my first family thanksgiving in a while, so i'm making a still tbd appetizer :)

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  65. Kellie CollisNovember 23, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    Lovely tips! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the holidays, Kellie xx

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  66. ChuckNovember 23, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Those pumpkin turkeys are super cute. Hope you have a great day. x

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  67. AnonymousNovember 23, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    We don't really celebrate thanksgiving here in Brazil, but after this post I feel like roasting a turkey!

    ♥
    Camila Faria

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  68. AnsNovember 23, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    GREAT TIPS, GOOD LUCK WITH THE COOKING AND VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
    XXX

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  69. UnknownNovember 23, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    If only I could cook! Lovely post :)
    Aimee
    www.new-yorkdoll.blogspot.com
    xxx

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  70. FashionJazzNovember 23, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Happy Wednesday! :) xx

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  71. Kristin HNovember 23, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Will miss that here in London. One of the most beautiful evening to share in America. I should probably start a tradition here, but that will be next year. Doing a winter dinner in a few weeks instead.
    Enjoy!

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  72. Jaime @ laviejaimeNovember 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Helpful links! I won't be cooking too much...i leave that to my mom - lol! :)

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  73. paisleaNovember 23, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    ahhhhhhhh!! cute pumpkin turkeys!! and wonderful links!! have a happy thanksgiving!!

    ♥ allister bee blog

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