Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas - article by New Look 4 Article Every Hour

Do-ahead Thanksgiving dinner ideas that make Turkey Day a breeze!

Tasting each dish for proper seasoning, I felt like I'd been smelling and eating all day long. After many years of this routine, I came across a do-ahead book, which put a whole lot of ideas in my head! These days, all I have to worry about on Turkey Day is getting the turkey in the oven and brewing a pot of coffee after dinner. Here are some tips for easy and delicious Thanksgiving dinner ideas and strategies.

Instead of moving heaven and earth and all the food in your frig to make room for that 20 pound bird, try this tip from a seasoned Marine cook. Pick up your frozen bird at the store the day before Thanksgiving. (Be sure to order ahead of time!) Fill a large picnic style cooler with enough ice cold water to cover the bird. Close the lid. Before you go to bed, turn the turkey over. It will be ready to cook by morning. I've used this technique for 10 years. An absolutely safe procedure.

I always wondered why my bird didn't cook in the time given on the directions. Opening the oven to baste is why. This Thanksgiving dinner idea is a gem. Melt a stick of butter and add seasonings. Slip your fingers between the breast and leg skin, gently separating the skin from the meat. Set the bird on end and pour the butter between the skin and meat, using your (clean!) fingers to distribute the butter. Place the bird breast side up on a rack, cover with foil and put it in the oven. The bird bastes itself. Foolproof.

Most traditional Thanksgiving pies, such as mincemeat and pumpkin, are great do-aheads. Freeze. Remove and thaw the day before and bake the night before T-day. The same goes for rolls and biscuits.

While your pies are baking, chop any vegetables you'll use in your stuffing. Season and bag up in the frig until morning. Peel and cook potatoes, then bag them for mashing tomorrow. Cranberry sauce? This can be cooking while you're chopping.

Good Thanksgiving dinner ideas have one thing in common – less work and more Thanksgiving on T-Day! Do-ahead appetizers are often the most elaborate and delicious. Search for recipes online that suit your menu and tastes. Shop these ingredients a couple of weeks ahead of time and spend a Saturday making these treats. Freeze and forget until Thanksgiving. While you're prepping the turkey, bake your appetizers.

This Thanksgiving dinner idea plan leaves plenty of time for greeting and chatting, with a delicious repast everyone enjoys!

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