stephmodo: Thoughts on Thanksgiving Day Prep

Thoughts on Thanksgiving Day Prep

• 23 November 2011


For many of you, today will be filled with baking, cooking and a probably a few last minute runs to the store; and of course, this is all whilst "real life" takes place around us.  I am trying to calmly talk myself through what feels like a very hectic day and give myself repeated reminders to keep in mind what the holiday is truly about.  No one, after all, enjoys being around an agitated or stressed out host!  I read this gentle reminder a few years ago in the introduction of one of Ina Garten's cookbooks and I've never forgotten this sage piece of advice. 

My goal is to keep Thanksgiving simple in every sense.  I will likely not have anything but flowers on my table and place cards my daughter makes from construction paper.  The dishes we prepare will not be complex, just made from good ingredients.  My tablecloth will likely be a bit wrinkled and there is a strong possibility that paper towels will become napkins.  The goal is to enjoy keeping alive the Thanksgiving traditions we've thoughtfully put into place over the last few years.  So today I will make a conscious effort to stay focused on the point of this beautiful holiday.  Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself as I write? :)

Off to get dressed and run to the store...

A rundown of our Thanksgiving menu after the jump...

Here is the menu my sister and I prepare each year for Thanksgiving in case you're looking for a last-minute recipe:


Herb Brined Turkey (my sister likes the dry brine from Williams Sonoma)

Best Mashed Potatoes (a French chef taught me this trick)

Mini Carrot Soufflés - perhaps everyone's favorite addition!

Sauteéd Haricots Verts

Homemade Rolls from a Bread Machine

Pumpkin Pies - will probably make my favorite to-date and also something new receommended to me via this post on pumpkin recipes

Stuffing (actually this is all my husband) - my Ben makes the best stuffing ever...one of these days I need him to write a guest post about it.  Maybe when he actually starts writing down what he throws in to it! If you are dying to get your hands on the recipe notes he has thus far, feel free to email me today :)

p.s. don't forget to drink lots of water while you're cooking and baking to stay hydrated; also, put on some relaxing or fun music while you're in the kitchen or out and about running errands.  Whatever fits your mood!

image by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

6 comments:

  1. I'm spending the day with the kiddos baking chocolate pecan and apple pies, brining the turkey and prepping everything else so tomorrow morning my hubby and I can take a morning walk while the kiddos plop in front of the Macy's parade.

    It's definitely one of my favorite holidays because of our traditions and because we get to spend it with you!

    xoxo

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  2. wishing you and your family a wonderful thanksgiving. i have no doubt it will be both delicious and lovely.

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  3. Happy Thanksgiving! Your menu sounds like a simple & delicious feast is in your future.

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  4. so much to pin on your blog! happy thanksgiving to you! you are always a refreshing source of inspiration.

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  5. Just made the Virginia Light Rolls - they are delicious and so pretty. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  6. Hope your Thanksgiving feast was incredible! Here at Mormon Market we are grateful for positive, wonderful bloggers like you!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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