Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner all by yourself can seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be one! It can actually be done very easily if you are organized and plan your special menu. The first step would be to start with a menu. I like to plan mine a week ahead of time, at a minimum. That way I know what to shop for and can look for ads in the paper for what store has the best Thanksgiving day deals!
After you have planned the menu, think about what items can be done ahead of time. There are certain things you may want to make a day or two in advance. One thing that can easily be done ahead of time, is pie! Thanksgiving is not complete without a pie or two, and making these the day before is a great way to cut down on the hustle and bustle of the big turkey day. Another great idea is if you are not a baker, think about purchasing your pies from a local bakery to make the day less stressful. Usually you can buy pies at very reasonable prices that may cost less than making it yourself.
Next is the star of the show, the turkey. The common myth about cooking a turkey is that you have to let it roast all day at low and slow. This is actually a misconception as this will dry out the meat! Only cook the turkey as long as the instructions state as that way you will have a moist bird. I also like to baste the turkey every half hour to hour, to the keep the meat moist and juicy. Another idea that has gone by the wayside, is stuffing the bird. This has proven unsafe due to bacteria reasons. To be safe you have to cook the bird long enough that the center of the stuffing gets to 165*F, that means that the turkey will be dry and overcooked. The best bet is to make a pan of stuffing on the side!
Finally comes the glorious side dishes! Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, rolls, green beans and whatever else you decide to serve can easily be made the day of. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get all the sides completed. A great make ahead tip for this is do all your prep work the day before ? cut the vegetables, make the stock, dough, etc. and your Thanksgiving will be a delicious success!
Christine Rankin is a professional writer who provides tips on Thanksgiving dinner for Celebrate Thanksgiving Day ? your premiere online resource for Thanksgiving holiday!
Source: http://toddsblogs.com/foodanddrink/2012/07/07/how-to-cook-a-thanksgiving-dinner-all-by-yourself/
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