realsimple I a trouble-free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving prep list (worksheet 1)

getting the turkey and the side dishes to the table at the same time takes planning. To get organized, make what caterers call a prep list: a schedule of all the tasks that need to be done in the two days prior to an event. The first step is to write down all the recipes you plan to make. Include oven temperatures and cooking times so you can identify which items can be cooked together. Check off any items that can be made in advance.

oven cooking can it be made name of dish temperature time ahead? snacks and starters

turkey and sides

desserts realsimple I a trouble-free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving prep list (worksheet 2)

once you have a list of the dishes you plan to make (see Worksheet 1), check to see which can be prepared in advance and record them in “ The Day Before” section. Next, look at the cooking temperatures for the remaining dishes. Working backward from the time you want to serve dinner, figure out which dishes can be cooked in the oven together and when they should be put in. Record them on the worksheet in chronological order. Include notes about reheating and serving dishes if appropriate.

time name of dish can it be made ahead? the day before thanksgiving

thanksgiving-day morning

thanksgiving-day afternoon realsimple I a trouble-free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving prep list for Real Simple’s “Back-to-Basics Thanksgiving”

use this timeline to organize your cooking and preparation schedule for Thanksgiving Day. All the recipes listed below appear in the November 2007 issue of Real Simple. See “A Trouble-Free Thanksgiving” for quick fixes and solutions to common cooking crises on the big day.

2 days before Thanksgiving day (continued)

Make ice cubes and fill a plastic bag with reserves. 3 hours before dinner Prepare the Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges. 2 hours, 30 minutes before dinner

Remove the Apple Crumb Pie and the green beans for the Garlicky Green Beans with Pine Nuts the day before from the refrigerator. Prepare the Herb Stuffing (but don’t bake it). Fill your coffeepot with water and ground coffee Blanch the green beans for Garlicky Green Beans so it’s ready to go after dinner. with Pine Nuts. 2 hours, 15 minutes before dinner

Make the Warm Apricot-Cranberry Sauce. Make the Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. Make the Apple Crumb Pie. 1 hour before dinner

Set the table. Cook the Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges. Chill wine, beer, and other beverages. 45 minutes before dinner

Set up a bar and a beverage area. Make the Savory Gravy. Gather coolers and ice packs to use as extra Heat the Warm Apricot-Cranberry Sauce. food-storage space. 30 minutes before dinner

Set out serving dishes and utensils. Bake the Herb Stuffing. Carve the Classic Roast Turkey. 15 minutes before dinner

Finish the Garlicky Green Beans with Pine Nuts. Set out food-storage containers and resealable Thanksgiving day plastic bags for leftovers. 6 hours before dinner Take out the trash and replace the bags for fast Set up a breakdown/washing station in the corner of cleanup after dinner. the kitchen, the utility room, or the garage. after dinner (while clearing the table) 4 hours, 30 minutes before dinner Turn on the coffeepot Prepare the turkey for Classic Roast Turkey. Warm the Apple Crumb Pie. 4 hours, 15 minutes before dinner

Arrange the oven racks and heat the oven. 4 hours before dinner

Roast the turkey for Classic Roast Turkey.