Easy Thanksgiving Meal Ideas
Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It is a great day for getting together with your
family and friends. You can have any kind of meal together it does not have to be
expensive or hard to fix. Spending time with your family and friends is what is important
– not what you eat.
If you decide to prepare turkey for your Thanksgiving feast, it can be one of the
easiest parts of the meal just make sure to follow good food safety rules. Thaw the bird
in the refrigerator. Never thaw turkey at room temperature because it will thaw from the
outside in, promoting the growth of dangerous bacteria. Remove the neck and giblets
from the neck and body cavities. Place the whole turkey, breast side up, on a rack
inside a roasting pan. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil. Roast an unstuffed
turkey for 12-15 minutes per pound at 325. Turkey needs to be cooked to 180 degrees
follow the directions that came with your turkey to check for doneness. Or if roasting a
whole turkey is more than you need consider preparing turkey parts instead of roasting
a large turkey to save cooking time and to reduce the amount of leftovers.
To complete the meal you can add anything your family chooses from
homemade recipes or any of the convenience foods available to you. Consider these
ideas to reduce the stress of a “big” meal.
Plan the menu before grocery shopping. This could eliminate extra trips to the
grocery store to pick up forgotten items.
Choose simple recipes that require only a few ingredients. These are less
expensive and easier to prepare. Use familiar recipes. Making a new recipe for an
important meal may get attention from guests, but it adds stress to the meal's planning.
Include items that can be prepared ahead of time. Consider using convenience items,
such as instant potatoes and pre-packaged fruit or vegetables.
Involve the family in meal preparations. Children can fix vegetable trays or set
food on the table, while other family members could help in the preparation of other
meal items.
Potluck meals also are a popular option and can reduce the stress on everyone.
Have each family bring a different part of the meal and then pitch in to do the last
minute things just before serving the meal.
No matter what everyone should help with the clean up after the meal. This can
be an enjoyable time for everyone and then when it is done everyone can relax and
enjoy the holiday.
Remember there are no rules when it comes to a Thanksgiving feast, the most
important thing is to share the day and meal with family and friends.
For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or on the
web at: food.unl.edu Nebraska Extension is a responsive, innovative and trusted
information source for all Nebraskans.
Nancy Frecks
Extension Educator
SW 3 Counties
Dundy-Hayes-Hitchcock
[email protected]
308 334 5666 Hitchcock