Thanksgiving 72 Hour Countdown

Everyone has had a Thanksgiving meal that didn’t turn out the way you wanted. Maybe you tried to defrost the turkey that morning? Or started the turkey too late and pulled it too early so it’s under cooked? The issue probably wasn’t that you don’t know how to cook it’s that you don’t know how to plan and manage your time! All great chefs rely on lists and timelines to execute large dinner parties and you should too.

72 Hours Before

• Buy and Defrost Turkey in Fridge sitting in a roasting pan to keep juices from contaminating the fridge. Pour off any liquid in pan occasionally when defrosting. 
• Contact local bakery for baked goods for pickup on thanksgiving or night before. Unless you are a seasoned baker leave this to the experts!

48 Hours Before

• Purchase all additional groceries and supplies. Shopping the day before or day of is always very busy sometimes being out of certain products you may need.  

24 Hours Before

• Make all side dishes and sauces possible the day before. Sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese and stuffing will do great. Save green vegetables and mashed potatoes for day of. These will always be better fresh!

12 Hours Before

• Pull turkey out of fridge and remove any packaging and discard innards. Truss with butchers’ twine (Google Trussing a turkey for technique) and dry with paper towels. LIBERALLY salt the outside of the turkey with kosher salt and place turkey back in fridge uncovered. This will help dry out the skin and promote crispy golden-brown skin.

6 Hours Before

• Pull turkey from fridge to start “tempering” or coming to room temperature which will help the turkey cook faster and more even. 

4 Hours Before

• Start cooking turkey. Depending on size turkey will take anywhere from to 30 to 40 minutes to cook per pound of turkey weight. You want to leave ample time for turkey to rest before carving. 
• Set Table and make sure you have enough supplies if using anything disposable. 

2 Hours Before 

• Make all last-minute side dishes and salads. Do not dress any salads until right before. 
• Reheat any side dishes made ahead of time.

1 Hour Before

• Start chilling any wines, drinks and make sure table is set for correct number of guests. 
• Pull out turkey and check thigh temperature. Turkey is done when thigh hits 160 degrees. Cover turkey with foil and let rest in warm place. This is key to a juicy turkey. Forget all the gimmicks. 

15 Minutes 

• Place all dishes on table and carve the bird. Dress salads and enjoy your amazing dinner and time with your family! 

With the proper preparation and planning out your meal will turn out great and it will take a ton of stress off your shoulders so you can really enjoy your time with family!

If holiday meals aren't your forte, let one of our chefs cook the food while you enjoy time with loved ones! Contact us today to book a holiday party or event!