3 Stress-Reduction Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

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1. Defrost the Turkey Properly

No matter how you will plan to cook your turkey (oven roasted, fried, smoked, etc.), it is critical that you properly defrost the turkey to ensure the health and well-being of your family and Thanksgiving guests.  

Whether you purchase your turkey 2 weeks or a few days before Thanksgiving, make sure to allow the wrapped turkey to naturally defrost in the refrigerator at least 3-4 days prior to cooking it.   I recommend that you place the turkey on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator in either a large roasting pan or in a large bowl that can hold the excess liquid from the defrosting process. 

If you do not defrost the turkey a few days prior to cooking, please fill up one side of your kitchen sink with water and allow the wrapped turkey to defrost in cool water for at least 16-24 hours.  Please note that your turkey may still be quite frozen inside once you remove it from the water.   You may still cook the turkey in the oven, however you may need to extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours to ensure it is thoroughly cooked inside.

CAUTION:  Only deep fry turkeys that have been completely defrosted.  If you fry a frozen or partially defrosted turkey, you will cause a dangerous house fire which will not only ruin your Thanksgiving dinner but also potentially cause irreparable bodily harm to you, your children or guests.

2.   Chop Seasonings Early

Check your recipes and determine how much onion, bell pepper, garlic and celery are needed.  I recommend chopping all seasonings at least 2 days prior to cooking your dishes.  Make sure to portion out your seasonings using plastic food storage bags for each recipe. This will save a tremendous amount of time as you begin the cooking process. 

Also, you may want to consider chopping fresh seasoning a few weeks prior and freezing them in plastic food storage bags by recipe name to assist in this process.  I would recommend storing your chopped onions in an extra plastic bag to reduce the strong scent in your freezer.   If you use this method, allow your frozen seasonings to naturally defrost in the refrigerator 1-2 days prior to cooking your dishes.  

3. Prepare and/or Cook Side Dishes Ahead When Possible

Time allows certain dishes taste so much better on the 2nd day after they have been prepared.  To save time, I prepare and cook side dishes such as cornbread dressing, stuffed bell peppers, mirliton casserole and greens 1-2 days in advance of the holiday.   Right now, I only have one oven in my home and would not have time to make all of my Thanksgiving dishes on the actual holiday. 
                                                                                                                                   
If you choose to cook your side dishes early, make sure to properly cool and cover them with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator.  Remember that aluminum and stainless-steel pans retain heat much longer than ceramic and glass. 

Have a very happy, healthy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday! 


Published by Adina T. Collins, 2019

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Location: Frisco, TX, USA

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