bites out of life

the adventures of a food-obsessive in nyc

Your One-Stop Thankgiving Guide

UPDATE 2020: I’ve added a few new recipes, but the tips remain the same … start early, crowdsource parts of your meal, and above all (especially this year), have fun!

Guys, we are two weeks away from the best day of the year. Thanksgiving is upon us, and while I can’t wait, lots of you might be feeling anxiety, dread and/or abject fear. I cannot promise you that your crazy uncle won’t start a political fight over dessert or that your grandma won’t ask you when you’re finding an SO / getting married / having babies / [insert arbitrary life milestone here], but I can promise you that if you follow my lead, the turkey will be juicy, the sides will be easy and you’ll be all good in the kitchen.

I’ve got a very detailed guide on putting together the perfect Thanksgiving here, but if you just want the TL;DR version:

1) START EARLY. At least 10 days ahead of time (but preferably two weeks!), finalize your headcount, set your menu and make your shopping lists. You could even start buying non-perishables (canned/frozen things, spices, anything that won’t go bad in 10-14 days) and definitely pre-order your turkey. Trust me: I’ve been at the grocery store on Thanksgiving day looking for a turkey. Don’t be me.

2) SET A COOKING SCHEDULE. There’s no reason you need to be in the kitchen all day Thursday. Including a few make-ahead recipes is essential if you’re cooking the bulk of Thanksgiving dinner, and if you can map out a game plan in advance you’re golden. Make pie crusts and biscuits a week or two in advance and freeze them (there’s nothing like rolling some dough to take the edge off a long day). I usually make a double-batch of cranberry sauce the Sunday before Thanksgiving (half for Friendsgiving, half for the actual day). Gratins, casseroles, soups and stuffing reheat like a dream and can be made on Monday and Tuesday. And there is no reason you couldn’t fill and bake your pies (or even your gravy base!) the night before.

3) CROWDSOURCE. If you’re willing to feed your friends and family, they’re likely going to want to help in some way. Let someone else handle the appetizers or the wine or some of the desserts — whatever you don’t have the time, energy or desire to do. They’ll feel involved and you’ll get to check one more item off your to-do list. (I’m not above asking guests to bring plates or silverware, but you’re probably better at adulting than me.)

4) BE EASY ON YOURSELF. Remember: you’re cooking for family and friends. People who will love you even if the turkey is dry or the pie is burnt. Yes, it’s supremely stressful to cook a multi-course meal for a crowd, but no one will revolt if you don’t make that one last dish. I like to go for a quick run the morning of, just to get some of the jitters out and kind of map out my day. You might want to go for a walk or meditate or try a yoga class or just sit on the couch and stare into space — whatever relaxes you. This is supposed to be fun! It will be fun. You got this.



And in case you need some fail-proof recipes to impress everyone you know, I’ve got a humongous list below — all of my favorites, all in one place. If you’re not seeing something you must make or you’ve got a last-minute turkey question or need a pep talk, let me know in the comments or @bitesoutoflife — I’m here for you!

Appetizers

Soups and Salads

Turkey

Thanksgiving Must-Haves

Beans, Greens, Potatoes … (You Name It!)

Sweets

Drinks