Thanksgiving meals don’t have to be a major hassle. Sure, there’s more work involved, and chances are, more people to feed. Some simple Thanksgiving meal planning can make it an easier task.
I use a grid to plan my meals. It has been a lifesaver. First, I choose my dishes. I have to admit that my Thanksgiving meal menu has stayed pretty stable for several years. I don’t cook for my family often. Everyone has let me know the dishes they like. That’s not to say that I’m not open to new dishes. I am considered a labor-intensive sub for my usual sweet potatoes.
Plan your menu.
List everything in one column. To make it easier, list its source, whether it is online or in a magazine or clipping you have. It’ll make it easier to find it when the time approaches.
List the method of cooking.
For each dish, list how it is cooked, whether it is in the oven, stovetop or whatever. For oven dishes, also include the temperature. You can adjust times if needed as long as you know what the recipe calls for.
List the cooking time for each item.
This is the key to planning. If your brussels sprouts take a half hour with prep, you need to know. Give yourself a bit of extra time for meals that come together at the end. Everyone will be milling around in the kitchen and distracting you. Plan for it.
Add extra notes.
Can you do a recipe ahead of time? Does it need to marinade? You need to know these things to plan well. You might also want to include info such as if it can be prepared ahead of time. Mashed potatoes can be for up to two hours before showtime.
Putting all this info together, you’ll have a good idea of your timeline. You’ll know when you can sneak in a shower before the guests arrive. Things you don’t want to forget include:
- Prep time for sauces
- Basting times
- Resting time for the turkey
You should also use this grid to make changes as necessary. If everything depends upon the oven, but you have little room, it just won’t work. Change some oven-cooked dishes to stovetop to save you aggravation. While you’re at it, keep track of how many burners you’ll need at a given time. With pre-planning, you can make your Thanksgiving meal menu come together much easier.
