|
|
Post by RiverIsis on Nov 21, 2015 16:15:36 GMT
This will be my second time cooking for just me, the kids, and husband. The first time we only had a turkey breast. I thought it would be all me again but my husband wants to use our smoker for the turkey. The rest is up to me. I HATE cooking and can never time things right. Most years items are assigned to people. So much nicer that way. The best cookbook I ever bought (in England) was Delia Smith's Christmas. Not because of the recipes, but because at the end of the book she set up a timeline of when to do things. Now I wing it, but honestly, I now know to get up about 6am (depends on bird size) and sort the bird and then before everything has heated up to quickly do my pie crusts as they don't come together as well in a warm kitchen. I have mini breaks sort of scheduled in throughout the morning and have a little break until it is time to turn the bird down etc. It really helps to sit down and write out a timeline. |
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,704
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Nov 21, 2015 16:15:40 GMT
Wow, I can't believe no one helps.  I've been hosting for several years now but, everybody brings something. It's the way it's always been in our family. Not just Thanksgiving or other holidays, but even with a run of the mill everyday family dinners. And everyone pitches in for clean up, too. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:12:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 16:16:22 GMT
I consider it an act of love towards my family and friends who are invited to my place for Thanksgiving.
After all, it is Thanks-giving. This year I had my dgc start to help me with some basic stuff. I took photos of this time together and made a photobook which included some of the recipes that we made.
The attitude in which you start to prepare this meal, as an act of Thanks for what is so bountiful where you live, can change the attitude.
Plus, there are usually leftovers for many other meals to come.
My hint is to not have the silverware at the table. When I come to sit down, I pass out the silverware and everyone starts at the same time. It is only respectful towards the cook to wait until they are seated to start either the meal and/or dessert.  It is much more casual for us. There are close to 30 people in my family and not one person has a home big enough for a formal sit down dinner with nice silverware and china; paper plates for us. Food is set up in the kitchen, buffet style. Kids go first; they eat in the basement. Adults eat in the kitchen or living room. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:12:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 16:19:14 GMT
This will be my second time cooking for just me, the kids, and husband. The first time we only had a turkey breast. I thought it would be all me again but my husband wants to use our smoker for the turkey. The rest is up to me. I HATE cooking and can never time things right. Most years items are assigned to people. So much nicer that way. The best cookbook I ever bought (in England) was Delia Smith's Christmas. Not because of the recipes, but because at the end of the book she set up a timeline of when to do things. Now I wing it, but honestly, I now know to get up about 6am (depends on bird size) and sort the bird and then before everything has heated up to quickly do my pie crusts as they don't come together as well in a warm kitchen. I have mini breaks sort of scheduled in throughout the morning and have a little break until it is time to turn the bird down etc. It really helps to sit down and write out a timeline. I was thinking of making the pies the day before.  Gah! I need to do some googling. I just remembered my mom did bring a couple of things the last time I did the meal. |
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Nov 21, 2015 16:19:44 GMT
I hate to travel for holidays and no one else in the family wants to travel either, so I cook for my family. It easily takes me 6-8 hours to make everything for a 25 minute meal. We do have leftovers for days and I often refuse to cook again until Monday. I am the only one in the house that cooks (tried so hard to get my sons to love cooking-epic fail). I'm not complaining because my husband does more stuff around the house than I do most days. How many of you are the only one who does the cooking for your family gathering? I can't be the only one. I am the only one to cook for Thanksgiving here too. But, several years ago, I started cooking on the weekend before Thanksgiving. So, today I will make two corn soufflé casseroles and put them both in the freezer. Tomorrow will be two sweet potato soufflés. Monday: green bean casseroles. Tuesday: mashed potatoes and cranberry salad. Wednesday: the pies. On Thursday, all I will make from scratch is the turkey, the rolls and the stuffing. I pull out one each of the side dishes from the freezer (the other one will come out for Christmas dinner), and bake them. A few days in the freezer doesn't change the taste or texture at all. You just mix all the ingredients and put them in the freezer unbaked. Even soufflés work perfectly this way. I make the turkey in a propane cooker on the deck, so there is plenty of room in the oven. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are much more relaxing and enjoyable for me since I started doing this. Rolls, Dressing, and Turkey are not any harder than an average Sunday night dinner. |
|
|
|
Post by RiverIsis on Nov 21, 2015 16:22:12 GMT
Wow, I can't believe no one helps. I've been hosting for several years now but, everybody brings something. It's the way it's always been in our family. Not just Thanksgiving or other holidays, but even with a run of the mill everyday family dinners. And everyone pitches in for clean up, too. It's normally only our family unit on Thanksgiving these days. When we meet with the extended family for Christmas everyone brings a dish sort of thing. But I seem to remember growing up that even when we were at my Grandparents, my Grandmothers catered it and my mother/aunts would just help out in the kitchen. And when I'm done cooking, that's it, I'm done. DH will come through the Kitchen and load the dishwasher through the day. I have to keep an eye on him though because sometimes he thinks things are ready for the dishwasher when I still need them for the next step... |
|
|
|
Post by RiverIsis on Nov 21, 2015 16:23:34 GMT
The best cookbook I ever bought (in England) was Delia Smith's Christmas. Not because of the recipes, but because at the end of the book she set up a timeline of when to do things. Now I wing it, but honestly, I now know to get up about 6am (depends on bird size) and sort the bird and then before everything has heated up to quickly do my pie crusts as they don't come together as well in a warm kitchen. I have mini breaks sort of scheduled in throughout the morning and have a little break until it is time to turn the bird down etc. It really helps to sit down and write out a timeline. I was thinking of making the pies the day before. Gah! I need to do some googling. I just remembered my mom did bring a couple of things the last time I did the meal. It's just my habit. A lot of people do their baking the previous day and I know people that cook their Turkey overnight. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:12:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 16:35:59 GMT
I know, right. I hate cooking anyway and it takes a day shopping, 2 days cooking and everyone eats it in 30 minutes and leaves me with the dishes.
Don't have to do it this year...everyone is busy and dh and I are going to the Piney Woods. Sandwiches at a picnic table....that's what I like!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:12:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 16:41:14 GMT
This year, I'm doing 90% of the cooking. My mom is bringing over her roaster and the turkey and rolls. All I have to do is turn it on. My sister is bringing pies (ordered thankfully, she's a horrible cook). I'm doing all of the sides. Keeping it simple with one baked side, one is simply book and mash, stove top stuffing and a new green bean side. All of the sides can be done an hour before dinner and we're good. Just need to decide on the time! It's easy when it's just 7 of us.
Clean up is on dh and the boys. I bought paper plates to keep it simple. We're very casual. The Lions will be on. My kitchen is small so I will kick everyone out unless I need another set of hands.
It's the first one without my grandma so not going to her house is going to be strange. My mom will be emotional because I have the dining room table my grandma had for nearly 60 years. That's 60 years of thanksgivings at this table. With some luck, we'll have another 60 with it.
|
|
scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,307 
|
Post by scrappinghappy on Nov 21, 2015 16:47:21 GMT
I host many meals throughout the year of 40 or more and I cook most of everything myself. My girls help with prep and we clean up as we go along. The boys are in charge of the table and clean up after the meal although our guests help by clearing the table. They key is in prepping as much as possible before hand and working on multiple dishes at the same time.
So for any big meal I make a copy of every recipe I intend to make and then the first thing I do is create a shopping list from all the recipes combines. That way, I don't run out of onions or find I'm missing a finishing herb. Then I look through all the recipes again and see what kind of prep they need and what can be combined. I'll get out all the onions and dice or slice according to the recipe and into labeled ziplock bags they go. I make pie filling the day before, prebake pie shells up to two days before, bread rolls are made in advance and frozen after rising. Then I sit down and look at what temps and for how long each recipe will need the oven and work out a plan based on that. Also take into account some dishes need resting time and some can be served at room temp. I also always try to have a couple that are cooked stovetop to free up oven space. Soup is also great as you can make it ahead.
Day of the meal is just assembly and baking and I time my food so I start with the coldest oven temps and work up to the dishes that need higher temps as they usually cook faster. Thanksgiving is slightly different as I start the bird at 450 for 15 minutes to sear the outside and then lower the temp so I have to wait for the oven to cool down before I can add anything else.
I also use two buffet warming trays to keep everything hot and to free up the oven.
Desserts are easiest because they can always be made ahead and if they need to be heated up you can do that while you are eating the meal.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 17:27:58 GMT
I hate to travel for holidays and no one else in the family wants to travel either, so I cook for my family. It easily takes me 6-8 hours to make everything for a 25 minute meal. We do have leftovers for days and I often refuse to cook again until Monday. I am the only one in the house that cooks (tried so hard to get my sons to love cooking-epic fail). I'm not complaining because my husband does more stuff around the house than I do most days. How many of you are the only one who does the cooking for your family gathering? I can't be the only one. I cook the majority of the meal... Nearly everything... To make it easier (bc I work) I make pies on Tues, rolls on Wed, plus I chop and prep everything else Wednesday night so that TGiving Day is smooth. Been doing to for a long time, so it works for me, and I love homemade stuff of TG. I have a menu and timeline in my comp for TG week. Me too. I also have a list of all the cooking ingredients I need with them put into columns according to what row they are in the grocery store. My husband just shakes his head. |
|
|
|
Post by katiekaty on Nov 21, 2015 17:29:58 GMT
At my house I do the majority of the cooking/directing and coordination of efforts. Whoever is around helps out and puts in a lot of effort too. We cook whatever is suggested by those who are here in addition to the traditional menu. Our house is usually open to friends who have no place to go or cannot travel to their family. It varies year by year who is here. But we have a lot of fun. Since we moved away from family 17 years ago, we don't travel to them. We've made our own tradition and opened up our home our friends.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 17:30:21 GMT
I used to love doing it, and yes, I'm the only one who cooks, but as I've gotten older and more tired I'm just over it. The past few years we have either purchased some of the meal elements, like a smoked turkey and bakery pies, or we have gone nontraditional, having steaks and potatoes au gratin, or we have just plain made a dinner reservation elsewhere, which is what we did this year. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I try to downsize our Christmas meal like this. We usually have steaks and baked potatoes. Too much going on. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 17:32:45 GMT
I consider it an act of love towards my family and friends who are invited to my place for Thanksgiving.
After all, it is Thanks-giving. This year I had my dgc start to help me with some basic stuff. I took photos of this time together and made a photobook which included some of the recipes that we made.
The attitude in which you start to prepare this meal, as an act of Thanks for what is so bountiful where you live, can change the attitude.
Plus, there are usually leftovers for many other meals to come.
My hint is to not have the silverware at the table. When I come to sit down, I pass out the silverware and everyone starts at the same time. It is only respectful towards the cook to wait until they are seated to start either the meal and/or dessert. I've never had anyone start before I got seated. I think all four of us do the last minute scramble to make sure everything is on the table and we all get there at the same time. I would not be very happy if people started eating before I got there. |
|
|
|
Post by scrappysurfer on Nov 21, 2015 17:46:21 GMT
We usually do some sort of potluck with my family or his and in 15 years I've only made the main dish once. I'm generally in charge of 2 to 3 sides and a dessert. I do 100% of the cooking, DH will only help with prep or cleaning if I ask but will do so without question. However if I don't ask, his ass will not leave the couch so I always find some sort of task for him to help with.
This year we are traveling for Thanksgiving and DH is staying home because of work, so I'm only making 2 easy casseroles that travel well (funeral potatoes and pineapple casserole) and a couple of sodas.
|
|
|
|
Post by lindywholoveskids on Nov 21, 2015 17:53:47 GMT
I do one or two dishes. I can't stand up for long because of back issues.
My husband and I are hosting his cousin. our other family is elsewhere, and this year we are going on a trip the Sat after tDay. guess we will have to divide up the leftovers and freeze some!
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 17:56:23 GMT
This will be my second time cooking for just me, the kids, and husband. The first time we only had a turkey breast. I thought it would be all me again but my husband wants to use our smoker for the turkey. The rest is up to me. I HATE cooking and can never time things right. Most years items are assigned to people. So much nicer that way. I got a double oven several year ago and that made it much easier. I am loving the crock pot idea for potatoes though. I could also use one for stuffing. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 17:58:36 GMT
We usually do some sort of potluck with my family or his and in 15 years I've only made the main dish once. I'm generally in charge of 2 to 3 sides and a dessert. I do 100% of the cooking, DH will only help with prep or cleaning if I ask but will do so without question. However if I don't ask, his ass will not leave the couch so I always find some sort of task for him to help with. This year we are traveling for Thanksgiving and DH is staying home because of work, so I'm only making 2 easy casseroles that travel well (funeral potatoes and pineapple casserole) and a couple of sodas. I clean up everything as I cook, but there are still a pile of dishes left when we sit down. My husband and two sons don't leave the kitchen until the last thing is put away. It takes us about 15 minutes together. I would be ticked if I had to clean up for another hour. What is pineapple casserole? |
|
|
|
Post by sabrinae on Nov 21, 2015 18:04:35 GMT
I hate to travel for holidays and no one else in the family wants to travel either, so I cook for my family. It easily takes me 6-8 hours to make everything for a 25 minute meal. We do have leftovers for days and I often refuse to cook again until Monday. I am the only one in the house that cooks (tried so hard to get my sons to love cooking-epic fail). I'm not complaining because my husband does more stuff around the house than I do most days. How many of you are the only one who does the cooking for your family gathering? I can't be the only one. I am the only one to cook for Thanksgiving here too. But, several years ago, I started cooking on the weekend before Thanksgiving. So, today I will make two corn soufflé casseroles and put them both in the freezer. Tomorrow will be two sweet potato soufflés. Monday: green bean casseroles. Tuesday: mashed potatoes and cranberry salad. Wednesday: the pies. On Thursday, all I will make from scratch is the turkey, the rolls and the stuffing. I pull out one each of the side dishes from the freezer (the other one will come out for Christmas dinner), and bake them. A few days in the freezer doesn't change the taste or texture at all. You just mix all the ingredients and put them in the freezer unbaked. Even soufflés work perfectly this way. I make the turkey in a propane cooker on the deck, so there is plenty of room in the oven. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are much more relaxing and enjoyable for me since I started doing this. Rolls, Dressing, and Turkey are not any harder than an average Sunday night dinner. . Would you be willing to share the casserole recipes you freeze? Please. |
|
|
|
Post by scrappysurfer on Nov 21, 2015 18:05:59 GMT
We usually do some sort of potluck with my family or his and in 15 years I've only made the main dish once. I'm generally in charge of 2 to 3 sides and a dessert. I do 100% of the cooking, DH will only help with prep or cleaning if I ask but will do so without question. However if I don't ask, his ass will not leave the couch so I always find some sort of task for him to help with. This year we are traveling for Thanksgiving and DH is staying home because of work, so I'm only making 2 easy casseroles that travel well (funeral potatoes and pineapple casserole) and a couple of sodas. I clean up everything as I cook, but there are still a pile of dishes left when we sit down. My husband and two sons don't leave the kitchen until the last thing is put away. It takes us about 15 minutes together. I would be ticked if I had to clean up for another hour. What is pineapple casserole? My sisters generally do the cleaning even after cooking all day because they don't trust any one else to do it right lol. Pineapple casserole 2 cups shredded cheddar 2 cups sugar 1 can pineapple tidbits 1 can crushed pineapple 1/2 cup flour Mix well and pour in greased casserole. Top with crushed Cheez Its and pour a sick of melted butter on the whole thing. Bake at 375 for about 45 minutes until bubbly on the sides. Is a perfect side dish for baked ham. People rave over it! |
|
|
|
Post by hennybutton on Nov 21, 2015 18:08:00 GMT
We are having about 50 people for Thanksgiving. I will be cooking 2 large turkeys and two hams. Well, ham is just heating. Long ago, when my MIL was still alive, I used to make my turkey on T-day even though MIL always told me to make it the day before. On T-day, MIL would help me carve the turkeys. One year, I noticed that she would lick her fingers when they got too messy.  The next time it was my turn, I cooked my turkeys on Wednesday, carved them, and put the meat and drippings in foil pans just like my MIL used to do before we took over the holiday. It's an awful lot of work, but the turkey ends up tasting just as good and it make T-day so much easier. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 21, 2015 18:17:07 GMT
We are having about 50 people for Thanksgiving. I will be cooking 2 large turkeys and two hams. Well, ham is just heating. Long ago, when my MIL was still alive, I used to make my turkey on T-day even though MIL always told me to make it the day before. On T-day, MIL would help me carve the turkeys. One year, I noticed that she would lick her fingers when they got too messy. The next time it was my turn, I cooked my turkeys on Wednesday, carved them, and put the meat and drippings in foil pans just like my MIL used to do before we took over the holiday. It's an awful lot of work, but the turkey ends up tasting just as good and it make T-day so much easier. I might try this. |
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Nov 21, 2015 18:27:57 GMT
I am the only one to cook for Thanksgiving here too. But, several years ago, I started cooking on the weekend before Thanksgiving. So, today I will make two corn soufflé casseroles and put them both in the freezer. Tomorrow will be two sweet potato soufflés. Monday: green bean casseroles. Tuesday: mashed potatoes and cranberry salad. Wednesday: the pies. On Thursday, all I will make from scratch is the turkey, the rolls and the stuffing. I pull out one each of the side dishes from the freezer (the other one will come out for Christmas dinner), and bake them. A few days in the freezer doesn't change the taste or texture at all. You just mix all the ingredients and put them in the freezer unbaked. Even soufflés work perfectly this way. I make the turkey in a propane cooker on the deck, so there is plenty of room in the oven. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are much more relaxing and enjoyable for me since I started doing this. Rolls, Dressing, and Turkey are not any harder than an average Sunday night dinner. . Would you be willing to share the casserole recipes you freeze? Please. They are nothing fancy, but my family loves them. You will have to cook them longer if they are frozen - usually 90-120 minutes. |
|
MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
|
Post by MsKnit on Nov 21, 2015 20:15:48 GMT
It fell to me when I first began making dinner for my family. I had taken over for my MIL. DH has helped tremendously in the last number of years, since my health went south.
This year my son is going to have to fill in for his dad, because DH simply can't this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by SunnySmile on Nov 21, 2015 22:15:36 GMT
I'm the only one who cooks, but my dh lets me order him around in the kitchen to help me. My dds will help if I beg them. I always have in mind a happy family all working together in the kitchen, laughing and having a good time. I know....dream on.
|
|
kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
|
Post by kate on Nov 21, 2015 23:07:44 GMT
DH and I used to cook, but as the numbers at the table got bigger (a blessing, indeed!), I ended up getting too stressed out and spending too much time in the kitchen away from the guests. Now, I still host, but I order everything from the catering department of my online grocer. SIL brings the turkey (I'm veg and haven't a clue how to do a turkey!) and some gluten-free desserts. Other guests bring beverages, appetizers, or salad. The stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, etc. all come in foil pans that just get popped in the oven. The food is really quite good, though not as good as what DH and I used to make back in the day.  We use paper plates and plastic utensils. The wine and beer glasses are real crystal, but that's about it. For me, it's a godsend to be able to hang out with family and friends during the day. This year, all of DH's sibs and their kids will be here. His sweet mom is going to be elated to have us all under one roof. She's 88, so we're grateful for every time we can gather. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:12:24 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 23:29:02 GMT
I'm the only one cooking. My son visits but doesn't cook. My daughter has three babies under three so I'm not expecting her to do anything. My stepdaughter is come from two states away and doesn't cook anyway. So there's me. But you know--I'm grateful all these wonderful people are in my life. And they're happy with anything I cook.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 22, 2015 18:54:12 GMT
I hate to travel for holidays and no one else in the family wants to travel either, so I cook for my family. It easily takes me 6-8 hours to make everything for a 25 minute meal. We do have leftovers for days and I often refuse to cook again until Monday. I am the only one in the house that cooks (tried so hard to get my sons to love cooking-epic fail). I'm not complaining because my husband does more stuff around the house than I do most days. How many of you are the only one who does the cooking for your family gathering? I can't be the only one. Okay, but if you are still eating the leftovers and not having to cook for days afterward, it ends up as a wash, no? It wouldn't really be any different than the people who spend all day Sunday cooking meals for the week that just need reheating on busy weeknights. But I digress. DH cooks dinner most nights, but I share the cooking duties with him on holidays. He's the type who doesn't want anyone else getting in his way in the kitchen so I learned my lesson long ago and just stay the heck OUT.  Works for me! In all seriousness, for Thanksgiving or Christmas he will either deep fry the turkey or do it on the rotisserie on the grill outside so that oven is free for other stuff. Once he has his mess outside, I can take over helping out with other stuff in the kitchen. If we're having ham, it's usually a spiral cut from Costco and has to be done in the oven. Most of my involvement happens before the big day in the form of baking bread, pie and desserts. I probably spend more time on my feet cooking/baking than he does since a lot of his stuff is prep, sit around watching football, check on it, go back to watching football, etc. until the meat is cooked. |
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Nov 22, 2015 19:19:45 GMT
I hate to travel for holidays and no one else in the family wants to travel either, so I cook for my family. It easily takes me 6-8 hours to make everything for a 25 minute meal. We do have leftovers for days and I often refuse to cook again until Monday. I am the only one in the house that cooks (tried so hard to get my sons to love cooking-epic fail). I'm not complaining because my husband does more stuff around the house than I do most days. How many of you are the only one who does the cooking for your family gathering? I can't be the only one. Okay, but if you are still eating the leftovers and not having to cook for days afterward, it ends up as a wash, no? It wouldn't really be any different than the people who spend all day Sunday cooking meals for the week that just need reheating on busy weeknights. But I digress. DH cooks dinner most nights, but I share the cooking duties with him on holidays. He's the type who doesn't want anyone else getting in his way in the kitchen so I learned my lesson long ago and just stay the heck OUT. Works for me! In all seriousness, for Thanksgiving or Christmas he will either deep fry the turkey or do it on the rotisserie on the grill outside so that oven is free for other stuff. Once he has his mess outside, I can take over helping out with other stuff in the kitchen. If we're having ham, it's usually a spiral cut from Costco and has to be done in the oven. Most of my involvement happens before the big day in the form of baking bread, pie and desserts. I probably spend more time on my feet cooking/baking than he does since a lot of his stuff is prep, sit around watching football, check on it, go back to watching football, etc. until the meat is cooked. I frequently cook three days in a row and then opt out until the leftovers are gone. It just seems like a lot of time to cook for even a week. I do love the meal though and only do it once a year, so I do suck it up. I think if I had someone else with me even on the same floor as I am it would help. The boys start sniffing around about 20 minutes before the meal is served. Until then all eyes are on the television. To be fair, I did this to my mom and had no idea how to cook a turkey. One day there might be DIL's who will provide some company. |
|
Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,266
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
|
Post by Sue on Nov 22, 2015 20:07:10 GMT
I've been married for 47 years and have only missed cooking one Thanksgiving meal in all that time. We had a big wind storm on that one year, lost power, and had canned chicken noodle soup heated on top of a trash burner (remember those?) for dinner. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday even though it means massive amounts of work for me. We have company coming on Wednesday and staying through Saturday so all our leftovers will be eaten before the weekend is over.
|
|
Gah! I need to do some googling. I just remembered my mom did bring a couple of things the last time I did the meal.
The next time it was my turn, I cooked my turkeys on Wednesday, carved them, and put the meat and drippings in foil pans just like my MIL used to do before we took over the holiday. It's an awful lot of work, but the turkey ends up tasting just as good and it make T-day so much easier. 
We use paper plates and plastic utensils. The wine and beer glasses are real crystal, but that's about it.
Works for me! In all seriousness, for Thanksgiving or Christmas he will either deep fry the turkey or do it on the rotisserie on the grill outside so that oven is free for other stuff. Once he has his mess outside, I can take over helping out with other stuff in the kitchen. If we're having ham, it's usually a spiral cut from Costco and has to be done in the oven. Most of my involvement happens before the big day in the form of baking bread, pie and desserts. I probably spend more time on my feet cooking/baking than he does since a lot of his stuff is prep, sit around watching football, check on it, go back to watching football, etc. until the meat is cooked.