From Scratch or Ahead of Time? Crafting the Perfect Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a cherished time to gather with loved ones, enjoy good food, and appreciate the blessings of the past year. For many families, the centerpiece of the meal is often the turkey and the array of delicious sides. This year, I’ve decided to embrace a mix of scratch cooking and meal planning to make my Thanksgiving meal even more special.

The Driving Force Behind My Thanksgiving Ritual

I make Thanksgiving from scratch every year, dedicating Wednesday to pie-making and other preparations. I roast a pie pumpkin, prep cherries, and make the dough. Once the pies are in the oven, I move on to preparing other components, such as peeling potatoes, roasting yams, tearing up bread for stuffing, and dicing herbs, onions, and garlic. It’s a labor of love, and while the process can be intense, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

On Thanksgiving morning, I usually put everything together and roast the turkey. By noon, the main dish is in the oven, and I finish by whipping cream for the pies. I’m always hopeful that they haven’t been partially eaten! Another tradition is to make yeast rolls, though they don’t always happen every year.

Meal Planning for the Perfect Thanksgiving

I love cooking for my family, and most of my dinner will be from scratch. However, to avoid last-minute scrambles, I do much of the work ahead of time. My mashed potatoes have cream cheese and sour cream in them, and since I make them the day before, they’re just reheated on Thanksgiving morning. I do the same with the stuffing, using a slow cooker to reheat it.

This year, I’ve decided to try making yeast rolls in the slow cooker to save on oven space. Additionally, I have other dishes to prepare, such as a rutabaga and carrot mash, a delicious roasted vegetable and farrow salad, and a Mediterranean salad, all of which are made the day before. For dessert, I might get the pumpkin pie from Costco, but last year I made pumpkin lasagna, and it was a hit with the family.

Adapting to Family Preferences and Traditions

While scratch cooking is enjoyable, I’m aware that not all dishes need to be homemade every year. This year, I have some frozen homemade meatballs and sauce, and I also have some homemade vegetarian marinara sauce frozen from a couple of weeks ago. I made extra to have ready for Thanksgiving, to serve with pasta and the vegan hotdogs for my vegan son and partner.

My menu includes a frozen dinner of homemade vegetarian marinara sauce, which will be served with pasta. This flexibility allows me to cater to everyone’s preferences while still enjoying the fruits of my labor. I also have some leftover dishes from previous meals to save on preparation time. While I would love to make cabbage rolls and perogies, I think the lighter menu is just perfect this year.

The Joy of Thanksgiving and My Favorite Season

Thanksgiving is a special time for me. I’ve been retired for some time now, but I’ve maintained the same menu for many years. Some side dishes may change, but turkey dressing and mashed potatoes continue to be staples. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and fall is my favorite season. It’s a time to enjoy good food, connect with family, and revel in the warmth of the season.

While some might consider Thanksgiving a commercial holiday, I believe it’s a valuable time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. The effort and joy behind making a homemade Thanksgiving meal are what truly make the day special.