Thanksgiving Dinner In 5 Hours or Less

Does the thought of cooking dinner for that Big Day make you sick with dread?  Being stuck in the kitchen with never ending tasks to accomplish? Does having Thanksgiving dinner done in 5 hours the stuff dreams are made of? It can be done with a little planning, the right cookware and utilizing your time more efficiently.

Make a Plan or Plan to Fail

• Make a list of everything you need done
• Allot a time for each task (include shower, getting dressed, setting the table etc)
• Put a checkmark next to items that can be easily delegated-vacuum, dump garbage, set table, dust…
• Put them in order
• Figure when you need to have dinner done by and count back to see how long it should take to accomplish

• Dinner starts at 6:00pm you have 7 hours of prep
• Count 7 hours back from 6:00 pm- 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 12, 11:00 am start dinner prep.

Give yourself 30 extra minutesMake a list of your side dishes and the times needed to prep and cookDo as much the day before as possible (clean house, food prep, decorate etc.)Have a simple lunch (corndogs nuked, pbj sandwich etc)Check off each task you accomplish and feel those wonderful Endorphins kick in!

Tender Turkey

The secret to a tender, juicy, evenly browned turkey is an Enamel roaster with lid. Using a roaster can free you up so much. You do not need to baste, tent foil, or waste hours waiting for the turkey to cook. Plus enamel roasters clean up so easily. A little salt and pepper may be all that is needed for a perfect turkey.

Cooking Time for Turkeys

• Preheated oven 350’

• 10-16 pounds Takes 3-31/2 hours unstuffed
• 15-22 pounds Takes 3 ½-4 hours
• 22-24 pounds Takes 4- 4 ½ hours
• Stuffed turkeys add 30-34 minutes more for cooking

Enamel Roster

The roaster can cook your turkey much quicker. Place a thermometer in the turkey and check for doneness about 45 min. before it should be done. Use the lowest time specified for checking.

Dinner Prep Guidelines

• Prep and start cooking turkey

• 10-16 pound turkey will be in oven at least 3 hours.
• Meanwhile- prepare side dishes
• Start with the ones with less prep work first, set aside, then work on more complex side dishes.
• Prepare stove top dishes, Mashed potatoes, Mac&Cheese, Sautéed butter carrots
• When turkey is done. Remove from oven and cook side dishes.
• Stagger baking your side dishes. The longest baking one first, then add others later.

• Example- Scalloped potatoes 45 min. cook first
• Green bean bake only takes 25 min.- remove
• Put in Stuffing to be cooked-25 min.

Cook Desserts last-allow them to cook while you are setting the food out.Remove dessert once you are all getting seated. It will cool to perfection once dinner is finished.

Side Dish Ideas

• Scalloped Potatoes
• Green Bean Bake
• Stuffing
• Sliced carrots sautéed in butter with a pinch of salt
• Corn cook in butter with a pinch of salt, sugar, pepper
• Mashed potatoes, gravy
• Yams
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rolls

Make a List…Check it Twice

Having a list helps you to stay on track and keep everything flowing smoothly. Jot down any last minute details. Add notes that could help you plan for other dinner parties. Pretty soon you will be a Hostess Aficionado!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Other Articles to Help Save Time and money

• Meal Planning Part 1
• Meal Planning Part 2