7 Turkey Day tips for the first timer
Follow these tips to ensure your inaugural first Thanksgiving meal goes smoothly.
1. Make a list and shop early
Make your Thanksgiving shopping list early and plan for a whole day to shop. A list is vital so that precious prep time isn’t squandered with last-minute trips to the store.
Don’t limit your list to ingredients. Take a good look at what you have (and don’t have) to set a festive table. Not enough tableware for 10 guests? No fancy glasses for your pumpkin mousse?
Mix-and-match tableware is perfectly acceptable for a Thanksgiving table. It’s surprising what can be found at local thrift stores. Extra plates, glasses and silverware can be picked up on a budget. You may even find a fun tablecloth and napkins to finish your table setup.
Use local vendors to help flesh out your table. Pick up a variety of homemade rolls from a small artisan bakery. Order ahead to ensure the selection you want.
Don’t forget to decorate. Table decorations can range from an expensive florist-made arrangement to a simple display of miniature pumpkins and gourds picked up at your local farmers market. Pick up a spool of orange ribbon. Roll your napkins and tie with the ribbon for a festive look.
2. Know your bird
Planning ahead is a must for a perfect turkey. Free-range, organic, fresh or frozen, it’s important to know what you want before you shop.
Fresh turkeys are available at many grocery stores but often need to be ordered several weeks in advance. The USDA recommends roasting a fresh turkey within two days of purchase. Frozen turkeys are readily available and can be purchased well in advance of roasting.
Finecooking.com offers a detailed explanation of various turkeys available for purchase. Note: If you are going to brine the turkey (either a wet or dry brine), avoid purchasing a self-basting bird. Often frozen, these turkeys come injected with a solution of broth or water plus spices and flavor enhancers.
3. Know your turkey math
Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. For leftovers, add a few extra pounds. Serving a large group? Consider purchasing two smaller turkeys instead of an extra-large bird. The turkeys will be easier to store in the refrigerator and will roast faster.
4. Plan for prep time
If you decide on a frozen turkey, purchase it far enough ahead to have ample time to safely thaw the bird. If thawing in the refrigerator, estimate 24 hours for each 3 to 4 pounds of turkey.
5. Invest in some tools
A large roasting pan with a rack is essential to properly cook your bird. The pan should be heavy-duty with 2-inch sides. Purchase a meat thermometer to test your bird’s temperature. A basting brush or turkey baster insures even distribution of butter and juices that will give your turkey a beautiful brown color.
Grab a spool of food-safe kitchen twine at a cooking store to tie your turkey’s legs.
Remember to have a platter large enough to present your finished golden beauty. Big box stores as well as specialty cookware stores are good sources.
6. Further your turkey education
Become familiar with free online sites to get those last-minute questions answered quickly. One favorite: butterball.com. Videos and recipes are featured, along with answers to many turkey roasting questions. If you need additional help, call the company’s turkey hotline number at (800) 288-8372. A live Butterball turkey expert will talk you through your bird dilemma. The turkey talk line is even open on Thanksgiving Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854 is also open on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food safety information is available 24/7 through “Ask Karen,” an automated virtual representative.
Other hotlines include the Honeysuckle White Turkey Line (800) 532-5756; and the Jennie-O Turkey Line (800) 621-3505. The Honesuckle line is available from 6 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving Day.
Many local cooking schools offer classes to provide hands-on training. In Milwaukee, Sur la Table in Glendale offers several hands-on cooking classes featuring turkey preparation. The Milwaukee Public Market offers several hands-on and demonstration classes on holiday entertaining.
7. Don’t forget the kids
Remember it wasn’t that long ago when you were crammed around a card table with folding chairs. Make the kid’s table special for your younger guests by decorating it with inexpensive Turkey-Day-inspired items like paper fold-out turkeys, turkey balloons and mini-pumpkins, along with fun disposable Thanksgiving napkins.
A brief visit to your local dollar store will be money and time well spent if the younger guests are entertained and feel part of the festivities.
Recipes
These recipes are first-timer friendly.