Thanksgiving

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2008
Thanksgiving
7
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:18pm
I can't believe Thanksgiving is already here. I am sooo stressed this year. For the first time the whole meal is on me. Last year I got to do the veggies and mashed taters. That was a first. Prior to that year dad wouldn't hear of anyone bringing anything to dinner. Bring yourself and nothing else. I always go early to help but he won't let me help in the kitchen. Well, times have changed. My dad can no longer stand long enough to cook and can't walk without a walker or cane. So I was informed last week that this years dinner is on me. It still has to be at dads house though. He told me today to plan on being at his house that day at flippin 6am to get the bird in! The closest I have ever cooked to turkey is a swanson turkey tv dinner! LOL
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-08-2005
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:32pm

Welcome to the board...not sure what your name is yet LOL

Here in canada w3e had thanks giving in oct...love turkey!!

Get your dad to buy you a turkey with a pop up button or have a turkey thermometer. It is all about thawing properly, washing it up(cleaning it up esp inside) and stuffing it. there are a zillion recipes out there.Here is a how to cook a turkey page...good luck!!

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3560.htm

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/cooking_school/how_to_cook_a_turkey.php

Don't be too fancy the first time ...you will do great!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-07-2001
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:37pm

Hi Rae and welcome!

Do yourself a favor, do not stress and keyword: delegate. Delegate, delegate, delegate. That means asking others to bring rolls, side dish, salad, pie, whipped cream, whatever.

Some stuff you can make ahead of time at your leisure. Cranberries, applesauce, pies can be made a few days earlier. Stuffing can be made and baked outside of the bird if you don't feel up to stuffing it. Quite honestly, the bird cooks quicker when there is no stuffing in the cavity.

I've been making dinner by myself for years now. I would love to have two ovens versus one, but I make do.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2008
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 5:07pm

Do yourself a favor, do not stress and keyword: delegate. Delegate, delegate, delegate. That means asking others to bring rolls, side dish, salad, pie, whipped cream, whatever.


Ah, to delegate. I am a world class delegator! LOL Unfortunately, it is still my dads day. He still has to have control of every last detail. He won't hear of having anyone bring anything. I suggested it and he flipped. He said forget it, he will do it all himself. He is still doing all the shopping and menu planning. Stubborn old man! LOL I am going behind his back though and having my uncle bring a sidedish and a

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 7:01pm
{{{Rae}}}
Deep breath ::
Ok don't stress really .. even if your Dad *has* to be in control.
Love twoki's idea of you delegating & making as much as possible ahead of time at your place.
Now Not sure why the bird has to go in so early
          Click & Join the fun!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-18-2003
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 7:49pm

I know saying "don't stress" is easier said than done.....but you could try...sounds like your father just doesn't want to face the fact the he has to give up and let someone else take over....All you can do is your best and I'm sure everything will turn out just fine. Just take a deep breath and jump in((((Rae))))


I probably shouldn't be saying much since I don't cook Tday dinner...I've done it, I just don't enjoy doing it....This year my future son-in-law wants to try doing the turkey...which is fine with me....I delegate, too....the ham and a couple side dishes are being prepared by a local restaurant, so all I have to do is heat it up....lazy, I guess but it's works for me.....I can handle a Swanson turkey dinner, too.....lol


Does your dad live close by you? Do you eat early..... is that why you have to be there by 6am?


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2007
In reply to: raetonycass
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 11:30pm

Everyone who prepares any holiday dinner for a good amount of people has had their "first time". Something may go wrong even with your dad controlling your every move..or..everything may go off without a hitch and be perfect. It's okay if something goes wrong, so don't fret if it does. I have cooked and helped cook


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2004
In reply to: raetonycass
Sun, 11-16-2008 - 7:58pm
I think you will do an awesome job, just dont stress..the good thing about the birds is that they have cooking directions, so follow that to a T, and you will do just fine!
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