I admit it. Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s wonderful to be grateful and I am grateful for so many, many blessings that I have. Thanksgiving sounds great to so many people. It’s a time to eat yummy food with family and friends. It’s a day off of work. Well, it’s a day off for people who aren’t making the meal and that right there is where Thanksgiving is no longer very fun for me. I spend SO much time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving even if other people are helping. A while back, a friend of mine shared with me how she makes everything, aside from the turkey, before Thanksgiving Day which makes Thanksgiving more relaxing. I admit, I haven’t fully embraced making everything ahead but I have done a few things and it is helpful. The biggest revelation for me was making the rolls ahead of time. You simply make the rolls, roll them out, etc., put them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and freeze them. You freeze them right next to each other to maximize space on the baking sheet. On Thanksgiving Day, take the rolls out of the freezer 2-3 hours prior to baking. When you pull them out of the freezer, place them on baking sheets as you normally would to let them rise prior to baking. Stuffing is another item I have made ahead. Put all of the ingredients together so that you only have to cook it on Thanksgiving Day. You can easily make mashed potatoes ahead of time and freeze them if you so desire or if you want them freshly mashed the day of then simply peel and cut up the potatoes, cover them with water to prevent the potatoes from discoloring, and refrigerate them overnight. You get the idea. Pull out your menu and figure out how you can make most everything prior to Thanksgiving Day. Comment below with ways you have improved your Thanksgiving cooking experience. Happy cooking!
Leave a Reply