Here is my Thanksgiving menu, best way to prepare in time?!?

Question

Here is the menu I plan to use for Thanksgiving dinner this year. What is the best way to make sure this can all be cooked by around 4 or 5pm and have everything warm lol ???

It is only for 4 people & this is the FIRST TIME I will be making Thanksgiving dinner all by myself :)

Am I forgetting anything?

Thanks all!


Apps:
Veggie Platter (carrots, celery w/ cream chz, plain celery, cucumbers, olives, ranch, french onion dip)
Cheese/Pepporoni Platter

Main:
12 lb. Turkey
Gravy
Dinner rolls w/ honey butter
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Corn
Stuffing balls
Broccoli

Desserts:
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Whipped Cream
Wine

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

DAY BEFORE:

Chop all veggies. This is for your veggie platter AND anything you need for your other dishes. Also oniosn etc... for stuffing

Arrange your platters.

Make sure the brid is thawed. Preseason the bird so all you have to do is slide it in th eoven.

Bake the desserts

Peel and chope the potatoes, keep in a bucket of cold water. If you don;t have room in the fridge find a cool spot ina garage or on the back porch, just don't let them freeze.


Turkey Day:

Thow the turkey in the ove.

Is ir corn on the cob, or frozen/caned on't husk the corn, throw it in with the turkey for the last 30 min. You don't have to do anything with the corn. No soaking or anything.

Put the rolls in as soon as the turkey come out of the oven. You need to let the turkey rest so it will be just right timing wise. Put the stuffing balls in with the rolls.

About 45 Min before the turkey is ready drain the water off the potatoes, then add more water and put int the stove and start to boil.

On another burner make up some roux (equal parts butter and flour) slowly whisk in some evaprated milk. You want it very thick. As soon as you have drippings from the bird turn the gravy on low and start whisking in the drippings. Adjust tastes and let it thickn as you like.

If you are making the whipped cream wait until everyone is ready for dessert and make it up right beofre hand. Keep the bowl Very cold before making the whipped cream.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Perfect Thanks! & Thanks To Everyone Else Too!

Answer 2

I would make as many of the menu items as possible ahead of time. Your pies can all be baked days in advance. Your dinner rolls can be made the day before, and popped into the oven for reheating when you take the turkey out of the oven. The stuffing balls and green bean casserole can be assembled the day before and baked at the same time as the turkey, etc.

Prepare/assemble as much as possible in advance, baking or cooking ahead and reheating where needed. Thank goodness for the microwave!

Good luck and happy turkey day to you and yours!

Source(s):

personal experience

Answer 3

You have quite a bit of food here for only 4 people:

I'd cut it down.

You appy's are OK

Main, only do:

Turkey
Gravy
Dinner rolls
Mashed potatoes
Stuffing balls
Cranberry sauce
AND pick one veggie side dish because you currently have 3. Only 1 will do.

Desserts are OK

Answer 4

Prepare as much as you can the night before and the morning of, that is what I do every year and it works. It takes a lot of stress off of you as well. You can mix up the green bean casserole, have your turkey thawed and clean, pies made, and veggie platter made the night before.In the morning peel and cut your potatoes, stuff your turkey(if you plan to) If self rising frozen rolls remember to take out of freezer.
And remember to pace your self and don't stress, ask for help if help is needed or except offers of help. OH and DONOT forget to take gibbletd and neck bone out of turkey :0) HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I am sure every thing will be Great!