Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the fall harvest and give thanks for the past year. Beyond tradition, it’s an opportunity for many of us to get together with family and friends to celebrate the long weekend with a hearty meal.
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner often includes squash soup, stuffed turkey with mashed root vegetables and cranberry sauce, topped off with warm apple pie!
A hassle-free gathering
Preparing a big feast always requires a bit of planning and special attention to detail. Here are some tips for a successful meal:- Calculate the quantities you need for your guests and make a shopping list in advance! For example, plan on about 450 g (1 lb.) of turkey per person.
- Prepare some dishes in advance. Many dishes, such as desserts and soups, can be frozen or prepared the night before. When the time comes, reheat them 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Set the table beforehand. That way, each guest can sit down comfortably and decorating will be one less worry on the big day.
- Traditions change, so try something new—a potluck where each guest brings a dish or a buffet-style meal will significantly reduce your workload!
- And most importantly, have fun! The host usually sets the tone, so make more time to spend with your guests by simplifying your tasks in the kitchen. Happy Thanksgiving!