How To Do Random Things

Thanksgiving is just over 2 weeks away, and my brain is already thinking ahead to that gluttonous meal I need to prepare.  Actually, my coworker prodded me into thinking about this weeks ago, long before I was ready.  Nancy gave me a copy of her ‘to do’ list last week which listed menu items and who was bringing what dish in a nice little spreadsheet.  She even listed things like chairs and tables!  Now THAT is a big family gathering!  Nancy is the epitome of organization (and she is Italian which always means lots of food and lots of family).

Nancy suggested I write a blog about this time honored tradition of food and family – not that she needs any of my suggestions – but I agree it is a good topic!

Let me give you a little background on my family.  My husband is the youngest of 10 children, and I am an only child.  I grew up in a quiet home where our holiday dinners for 3 were usually something fancy for us – lobster, shrimp or Cornish game hens.  My husband’s holiday dinners (well, every dinner for that matter) were loud and chaotic and traditional.  As a young wife many years ago, I was fascinated by the massive amounts of food and people everywhere.  Over the years, I gradually learned to cook for 10 (regular Sunday dinners) and up to 20 for a holiday meal without worry or stress. 

Just like Nancy, I have this holiday dinner planning down to a science and I will share some of my tips.

Make a list of the dishes that MUST appear on the table, or else.  No need to make a fancy spreadsheet – unless you want to work on your Excel skills.

Add any dishes that will automatically be brought to dinner – because everyone has relatives who bring their ‘famous something’ whether you like it or not.

Now, fill in the holes with recipe categories.  Not enough veggies?  Too much starch (ok, really there is no such thing)?  More dessert?  Don’t jump in with recipes just yet; your first task is to make sure you have enough variety.

This is really the most important tip of all.  You need to identify your cooking sources.  1 oven or 2?  Microwave? 4 burners on the stove in working order?  Crock pot?  It is impossible to put 5 hot veggie casseroles and freshly baked dinner rolls onto the table at the same time with 1 oven.  So take the list of the items you have already and think about cooking times and heat sources.  Many veggie casseroles can be made ahead, and reheated in the microwave without losing quality.  Can a vegetable dish – like green beans or glazed carrots – be cooked ahead and then put in the crock pot to stay warm?

Now that you know what heat sources you have available, start filling in your menu holes.  For example, you need another vegetable, but you need it to go on the stovetop.  Dig in the recipe box or spend time browsing your cookbooks to find a dish to fit your needs.

Last but not least, delegate!  I have a sister in law who is not fond of cooking, but she can make some killer deviled eggs and whip up some fluffy mashed potatoes (I loathe peeling potatoes – hehe).  Again, watch your heat sources and help guide the lucky cooks in the right direction.  If you want to add a cold salad to the menu, give that direction and see what they bring! 

Now that your stomach is growling, and you are counting the days until the big feast, get out that notepad and start planning your stress free holiday meal!