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Thanksgiving Dinner Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If there’s one meal that stands out, it has to be the incredible feast that is Thanksgiving dinner. This holiday is rooted in culture and tradition. The first Thanksgiving celebration dates back to the time of the Pilgrims in the 17th century (via AL). The Pilgrims, who wanted to celebrate the harvest, were joined by the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans.
But it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday in the U.S., even though President George Washington had declared nearly 80 years earlier that the celebration should be held on the last Thursday of November each year. Those early gatherings may not have served the traditional Thanksgiving fare that everyone loves today. Serving a turkey became part of the Thanksgiving tradition over time (via CNBC). Turkey was a regional food in New England that later became part of harvest festivals.
Today, Thanksgiving is still a wonderful way to get together with loved ones, whether it’s family, friends, or both. Sharing a hearty meal together is the perfect way to show love and create core memories to share. It’s a reason to take time away from busy schedules, travel and distance to show you care.
Create a Thanksgiving meal timeline
Making a timeline of exactly what needs to be done leading up to Thanksgiving is no joke. In fact, if it helps alleviate some of the stress. If you’re the one hosting a holiday feast, then it’s no laughing matter; making a plan actually makes a lot of sense. You may not want to go overboard and start calling meetings and taking minutes, but being prepared means being prepared.
It also allows you to relax and enjoy being with your loved ones without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, you have a better chance of cooking a traditional meal that’s a delicious success when you’re well organized. With so many plates to deal with (literally), you definitely need a schedule (via Tasting Table).
If you’re eating on Day 4, then your prep starts on Day 1, when you’ll work on finalizing the menu, making sure you have all your staple ingredients, and possibly defrosting your turkey. The next day, you need to make your stock and get your vegetables and wine for the day. On the third day, you might be brining your turkey, making stuffing and cranberry sauce, and prepping your vegetables, all while thinking about dessert.
On the last day, roast your turkey and prepare your sides: Start hours in advance, leaving the gravy as the last cooking task. Then set the table and prepare the bar. And then, of course, it’s time to eat.
Defrost your frozen turkey in ice
One of the first things to do when preparing for a big Thanksgiving feast is to defrost your turkey. And while this may not be complicated, the most important aspect is to give the turkey enough time to really thaw. According to BBC Good Food, it takes about 24 hours to defrost 2 kilograms of turkey. So if your bird weighs 6kg, which is quite possible, you’re talking about three days in the fridge.
Another factor is that with everything else you’re cooking, it can be a real hassle to have a full refrigerator for days when you’re preparing so many other dishes. Of course, if you defrost the meat outside the fridge, it’ll take a third of the time. You do have to watch out for bacteria, so make sure you cook your turkey as soon as it’s defrosted.
A third option is to follow a TikTok hack posted by @impossiblescience: Dunk your frozen turkey in a large bucket of iced water, which transfers heat much better than air. You don’t need to put it in the fridge or put a lid on it. Make sure the temperature stays below 104 degrees Fahrenheit and let the turkey defrost. One pound of meat takes 30 minutes to defrost, so a 20-pound turkey will defrost in 10 hours.
Try a fermented dairy brine
There’s a lot of culinary debate about whether a dry or wet brine works best with a Thanksgiving turkey. What’s perhaps less controversial is whether or not brining is necessary. The key to both methods is salt, which prevents moisture from leaving the bird when it’s roasted, making it juicier. Wet brine adds salty water to the turkey so that it retains liquid when it’s cooked. Dry brine, on the other hand, works by actually drawing out the juices.
These juices then mix with the salt and are reabsorbed into the meat. The salt prevents this loss of moisture during cooking. If you’re not interested in either of these traditional brining methods, you can try a fermented dairy brine. This unique technique adds tangy flavors to the turkey while keeping it moist.
To make a fermented milk brine, begin by combining equal parts buttermilk and water in a large container. Add salt, sugar, and your choice of herbs and spices to the mixture. Some popular additions are garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir the brine until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Next, place your turkey in a brine bag or a large, food-safe container. Pour the fermented dairy brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged. If necessary, add more brine or weigh the turkey down with a plate to keep it submerged. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours for a larger turkey.
During the brining process, the buttermilk and other ingredients work together to tenderize and flavor the turkey. The lactic acid in the buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more tender and succulent texture. In addition, the tangy flavors from the fermentation process add a unique twist to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or seasoning. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before roasting according to your favorite recipe.
By trying a fermented dairy brine, you can enhance the flavors of your Thanksgiving turkey and impress your guests with a juicy and delicious main course.
Other Thanksgiving Dinner Hacks
In addition to the timeline and turkey defrosting hacks mentioned above, there are several other Thanksgiving dinner hacks that can help make your holiday meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
- Use disposable roasting pans: Instead of dealing with the hassle of cleaning a large roasting pan, consider using disposable aluminum pans. Not only do they make cleanup a breeze, but they also free up valuable oven space if you need to cook other dishes at the same time.
- Make-ahead side dishes: Many side dishes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated on Thanksgiving Day. This not only saves time on the day of the feast, but also allows you to focus on the turkey and other last-minute preparations. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, and stuffing are great options for make-ahead dishes.
- Prepare a gravy starter: To ensure a flavorful, lump-free gravy, prepare a gravy starter ahead of time. This can be a mixture of sautéed onions, celery and carrots combined with turkey stock and herbs. When it’s time to make the gravy, simply strain and add the pan drippings for a rich and delicious sauce.
- Use a slow cooker for side dishes: When oven space is limited, use a slow cooker to make side dishes like green bean casserole or sweet potatoes. This frees up valuable oven space and allows you to cook multiple dishes at the same time.
- Delegate and ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask your guests for help. Assign tasks such as setting the table, chopping vegetables, or bringing a side dish or dessert. Thanksgiving is about coming together, and involving your loved ones in the preparations can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
By implementing these Thanksgiving dinner hacks, you can streamline your meal preparation and create a memorable holiday feast without unnecessary stress. Remember, Thanksgiving is about gratitude and spending time with loved ones, so don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the company and delicious food around the table.
FAQS
How do I create a Thanksgiving meal timeline?
Start by finalizing your menu and gathering all the necessary ingredients. Plan your tasks and preparations ahead of time, such as defrosting the turkey, making stock, brining, preparing side dishes, and setting the table. Following a timeline will help you stay organized and ensure a successful Thanksgiving feast.
What is the best way to defrost a frozen turkey?
There are several methods you can use to thaw a frozen turkey. You can thaw it in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 24 hours of thawing time per 2 kilograms of turkey. Alternatively, you can use a TikTok hack by submerging the turkey in a large bucket of iced water, making sure the temperature stays below 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This method can thaw one pound of meat in 30 minutes, so a 20-pound turkey would take about 10 hours to defrost.
Should I brine my Thanksgiving turkey?
Brining can enhance the flavor and juiciness of your Thanksgiving turkey. You can choose between a wet brine, where you soak the turkey in a salty water mixture, or a dry brine, where you rub the turkey with a salt mixture and let it sit in the refrigerator. You can also try a unique fermented dairy brine that uses buttermilk, water, salt, and herbs to add tangy flavors and keep the turkey moist.
How can I make my Thanksgiving meal easier?
Here are a few tips to simplify your Thanksgiving meal preparations:
– Use disposable roasting pans for easier cleanup.
– Prepare side dishes in advance and reheat them on Thanksgiving Day.
– Make a gravy starter ahead of time for flavorful, lump-free gravy.
– Use a slow cooker to cook side dishes and free up oven space.
– Delegate tasks to your guests and ask for their help, whether it’s setting the table or bringing a dish.
Can I make Thanksgiving dinner hacks suitable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Many Thanksgiving dinner hacks can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, you can find alternative recipes for gluten-free stuffing or vegan gravy. You can also modify ingredient choices and cooking methods to accommodate specific dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to explore and experiment with recipes and substitutions to create a delicious Thanksgiving meal that meets everyone’s dietary needs.
How can I get my guests involved in Thanksgiving preparations?
Thanksgiving is a time to come together and share the joy of cooking. You can involve your guests by assigning tasks such as setting the table, chopping vegetables, or bringing a side dish or dessert. Not only does this take the pressure off you, but it also creates a sense of togetherness and shared responsibility. Thanksgiving is about gratitude and spending time with loved ones, so don’t hesitate to ask for help and make it a community effort.