4 Day Turkey Day Game Plan
There’s nothing I love more than a gigantic group of family and friends gathered around the table for Thanksgiving. One year, the table seated 38 people, and was so long it stretched from the dining room to the front door! For a few visiting friends, it was their first time ever celebrating Thanksgiving. It was a magical event, complete with delicious food and wine, giving thanks, and being grateful for all that we have been blessed with.
Whether you’re hosting just a few people or big crowd, this is the ideal menu for holiday entertaining. Almost every recipe has a make-ahead component. In fact, some things can be made well in advance and put in the freezer so that on Thanksgiving Day (or whatever day you’re entertaining) all you have to do is put a few things together and spend the remainder of the time enjoying the company. To make it even easier, follow my 4-day turkey game plan. It will to ensure that you’re on top of your game!
Monday & Tuesday:
• Shopping for food, wine and flowers
• Organize serving pieces, china, glassware, flatware and linens
• Cube bread for stuffing, let dry overnight then put in zip lock bag
(can freeze)
• Sauté sausage & vegetables for stuffing, put in zip lock bag (can freeze)
• Toast nuts
• Cut figs
• Make pastry for tart & galette (can freeze)
Wednesday:
• Set Table
• Wash bird
• Cut carrots
• Cut parsley
• Blanch Brussels Sprouts
• Make Béchamel Sauce
• Blind bake tart shell
• Cut Cranberries/ prep filling except for pears
Thursday/ Thanksgiving:
• Pull turkey out 1 hour ahead.
• Assemble stuffing. Stuff turkey, place in oven
• Assemble galette & bake
• Assemble Brussels Sprouts– reheat when ready to serve
• Make gravy
• Sauté carrots
• Assemble and bake tart
• Relax, Enjoy, Happy Thanksgiving!!
