Plan Thanksgiving Dinner - A Step By Step Guide

By Angela Tyler

Planning Thanksgiving dinner and preparing it can be very stressful, especially if you have a large family or are expecting a number of guests. In order to make Thanksgiving more enjoyable for yourself as well as your guests, some advance planning and preparation will work wonders. Use these tips to make your holiday a stress-free, memorable occasion:

10 Days Prior To Thanksgiving:

About 10 days prior to Thanksgiving, or at least one week, get your list together of folks who are invited and contact anyone you haven't spoken to as yet. This will give you plenty of time to prepare for the amount of food and seating. Be sure to jot down next to your guest list names any special food needs or dishes that anyone is bringing to the meal.

Now that you have your guest list you can figure out the size of the turkey. You'll want about one to one and a half pounds of turkey for each person; more if you want leftover turkey. You may want to buy a fresh turkey, so check with your market now for availability. Or, you may want a frozen turkey, a smoked turkey, or even a deep fried turkey. Now is the time to make that decision.

A final menu should be ready at least a week before Thanksgiving. Look at your guest list and adjust your menu to take into consideration the younger children, big eaters, or anyone with a special dietary need. Offering the children onion-less stuffing in a separate casserole might make their meal a bit more special.

Thanksgiving Week:

The week of Thanksgiving is the time to stock up on necessary items from the grocery store. You can make certain items in advance such as bread or rolls, and freeze them until Thanksgiving morning. Also make sure you have supplies such a napkins, cups, etc.

The Days Leading Up To Thanksgiving:

A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving you can prepare a few items in advance to save time on the big day.

Things like cranberry sauce or relish can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days. You may want to cut up onions, celery, and any like items and store them in plastic ware to save time on Thanksgiving morning. You may want to prepare some side dishes the night before Thanksgiving; items like Green Bean Casserole store just fine overnight. Prepare your pies and cakes now, as well. If you have items in the freezer, they should come out now and go in the refrigerator.

Double check your Thanksgiving menu shopping list and make sure everything on it is ready and waiting in your kitchen during these last two or three days before Thanksgiving.

Get out your games, decorations, and special serving pieces for Thanksgiving. If you have kids, be sure to involve them in the game planning at the very least. If they are old enough, be sure they are included in decorating the house and table. Now is the time to get out your special table linens and wash and iron them if necessary.

If you have purchased a frozen turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 3 days prior to cooking to give it plenty of time to thaw. Following the thawing instructions on the turkey to the letter.

Thanksgiving Morning Is Here:

It's Thanksgiving morning and you are all set! Your turkey is thawed and ready to stuff. Figure out the timing to roast your turkey using the time table on the packaging. Prepare your bird, stuff it, and get it ready for the oven in your roasting pan. Plan your side dish cooking schedule. Prepare any side dishes and desserts that you were unable to prepare overnight; peeling potatoes, etc. Wash dishes as you go to prevent a pile up during dinner.

Now it's time to set the table, and take a break! Enjoy the aromas already wafting through your house... that is the smell of a wonderfully planned and prepared Thanksgiving dinner. Good for you! You have successfully created a memorable Thanksgiving without all the stress. Go light the candles and relax with your guests!

About the Author:

Would you like to spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing the things you love? If so, you won't want to miss FreeQuickRecipes.com where youll find frugal recipe ideas for mothers and others.

Easy Homemade Vegetarian Meals

By Kristen Thorpe

Vegetarian recipes give you a whole lot of options for daily meals. They are completely healthy and can be made in less time than non- vegetarian dishes. It is good sometimes to change the tastes in food that you prepare. These will be healthier than regular meals made with meat. If you want to do this more often, don't worry; some vegetables contain enough protein to provide you with the amount you need daily. You can prepare different dishes and different meals throughout the day i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks. Of course you would need the right cooking materials too.

For breakfast, you can have veggie quiches with soy sausage. It contains eggs and soy sausage, which can either be cooked or chopped. Add in broccoli, spinach or any kind of vegetable- chopped and spread over the meal. It would take you just 12-15 minutes to prepare this healthy and delicious meal for everyone. This type of breakfast contains all the healthy nutrients needed and certainly provides you with the energy you need for the entire day. Fresh Strawberry, sliced on top of whole-wheat crackers can be a good choice too. You can also spray cream cheese on it, to make it even tastier.

It is good to have snacks during certain times of the day, than eating a lot for breakfast. You can have whole wheat crackers with fresh strawberry- sliced on top of it. It is tasty and refreshing too. For lunch, you can have mini wheat pizzas. It is a very important vegetarian meal, which can also be made in very little amount of time. You will need whole wheat English muffins and eating them will be real healthy; as they contain lots of grains and fibers. For the sausage, you can either buy the ones from the store or make mariana sausage at home. It can be cooked in garlic powder or virgin olive oil and the whole process takes only 8 to 10 minutes.

A quick smoothie drink with frozen berries makes delicious and quick snack partners. You may add soymilk, or some ice cream that are made organically. Teriyaki flavored tofu can be made for dinner and your family will give you high praises for this dish. To make it great tasting, use grape seed oil. Whether you plan on making vegetables meals or for snacks in the afternoon, everything will go as planned, if you have all your cooking materials ready. Be sure that you everything set, from pans to knives. This way, meals will be done even faster.

As you may have already heard, vegetables are a great way to keep the sick days away. They contain various essential nutrients that keep the body healthy and functioning well. Don't get the wrong idea that vegetable food does not taste good; this is totally wrong. All you need are fresh and new recipes to create healthy dishes that delight the senses. Vitamins and minerals are what bodies need to perform its best and also make people feel better. Wouldn't you want this?

Vegetables are great sources of minerals and vitamins for the body. Various studies have linked a healthy diet to a decrease in the ageing process. So don't hesitate, get all your kitchen materials ready and create great tasting dishes and snacks with vegetable ingredients.

About the Author:

Preparing some food in advance? You can prep your vegetarian dishes and store them in the fridge in this handy Pyrex Covered Glass Mixing Bowl Set. Then when you're finished, you can store the leftovers in them too. That's the beauty of using glass food storage containers in your kitchen.

Belgian Chocolate the True Chocolate Lovers Dream Come True

By Thomas Crown

I love chocolate, there I said it I admit I am a chocoholic. However there is just one type of chocolate that is the true chocolate and that is Belgian Chocolate. This type is a dream come true for a true chocolate lover, in this article I will try to focus and tell you all about this treat from the chocolate gods. I know you are probably going to say that I am biased when it comes to talk about chocolates. This may be true but this is better than just chocolate, it is Belgian Chocolate.

We begin with properly defining Belgian Chocolate. This version of chocolate has been around since the'th Century and many people have become addicted to it since then. With a variety of candy processing companies producing some pretty good chocolate the desire for chocolate has increased significantly.

What is it that separate Belgian Chocolate from all the other chocolates of the world? Simply put, it's the craftsmanship that goes into manufacturing this treat. Unlike any other sort of chocolate that's sped through a machine and produced at an unimaginable amount of speed, Belgian Chocolate is more about quality not quantity.

The manufacturing companies of Belgian Chocolate to this very day still make their chocolate by hand with some of the same equipment which was used when the first piece of chocolate was made. The makers of Belgian Chocolate take pride in developing the best chocolate in the universe which is evident in every delicious bite.

What's even more intriguing about Belgian Chocolate is that it comes in a variety of flavors including but not limited to truffles that have mouth-watering fillings that are just incomparable. These truffles come in exotic flavors which cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world.

If you are looking for a gift that will absolutely blow a person away then you will want to buy them an assortment of Belgian Chocolate truffles that will show a person how much you really care about them.

There are a number of people that are under the impression that Belgian Chocolate is no different than any other kind of chocolate being sold; however, this is so far from the truth. Contrary to popular opinion, criticism or debate, Belgian Chocolate is unlike any other chocolate on this earth.

Since this chocolate treat is not available at the local store level, you will have to make a special trip in order to purchase it. You might also be able to find an online store to make shopping easier.

In closing the important things to remember is that if you have a person in your family that loves chocolates then you will want to spend the extra money and buy them Belgian Chocolates. This will be like a dream come true for them and it will be a gift that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

About the Author:

To get all of the answers to why belgian chocolate is the best on the earth visit this site today.

Explore new flavors in recipes this holiday

(ARA) - Holiday tunes on the radio, mistletoe hanging in strategic locations and the scent of pine lingering in the air - it's the perfect time to get into the kitchen and discover some new cooking flavors that will keep your taste buds happy and give your house a warm, yummy smell.

Not only does cooking in the kitchen gather everyone together during the holidays, but it provides the opportunity for some creative thinking about new recipes and ways to put a different twist on traditional favorites.

Experimenting with recipes allows you to explore new cooking flavors, either by using unique and new spices, or by combining different ingredients for a different taste.

One flavor many cooks often forget to try is vanilla, which has a heady, aromatic taste combined with sweet, fruity and floral scents. Vanilla beans are grown in primarily four locations around the world - Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico and Tahiti - and each variety of bean can be used to enhance both sweet and savory flavors.

Nielsen-Massey's Pure Vanillas are cold extracted to slowly draw out the delicate flavors of the beans. Gourmet food shops, bakers, chefs of fine restaurants and manufacturers of premium ice creams use these vanillas because of their quality and varying flavors.

To experiment with the flavors of vanilla in your kitchen, try starting with this drink recipe:

Vanilla Peppermint Pattitini

Serves two



Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka

2 ounces half and half or cream

1 heaping tablespoon hot cocoa mix

1/4 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract

1/2 teaspoon pure chocolate extract

1/2 teaspoon pure Tahitian vanilla extract (Madagascar or Mexican if preferred)

Ice

Chocolate syrup

Mini candy cane



Directions:

Add all ingredients except the syrup and candy cane in a shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup and candy cane.



For a great holiday dinner, consider cooking duck instead of chicken or turkey. "A Century of Flavor" cookbook offers the following recipe:



Duck Breast with Tahitian Pomegranate Chutney

Serves four



Ingredients:

For the Tahitian Pomegranate Chutney:

1 cup 100 percent pomegranate juice

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract

1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 tart apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)

1 Bosc pear, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup raisins



For the Duck Breast

4 duck breasts

salt and freshly ground pepper



Directions:

For the chutney, combine the juice, sugar, vanilla extract and vinegar in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Add the apple, pear, walnuts and raisins. Cook for five to eight minutes or until the fruit is tender, stirring frequently.

For the duck, preheat the oven to 400 F. Score the skin of each duck breast at a 45-degree angle approximately four times. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place the duck breasts skin side down in the pan. Sear for four minutes. Turn and sear for an additional two minutes.

Place a wire rack in a 9 by 13-inch roasting pan and coat the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place the duck on the rack. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes or to the desired degree of doneness. Plate with the Tahitian Pomegranate Chutney and wild rice.

And for dessert, try this cookie recipe:



Crisp Vanilla Butter Cookies

Makes two dozen cookies



Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chocolate pieces of choice



Directions:

Cream the butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla powder in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt on low speed until just blended. Place the dough on parchment paper and shape into a 12-inch long log. Chill between 3 to 24 hours.



Preheat the oven to 350 F. Coat an insulated cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the dough log into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Place the cooled cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Place the chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on "high" for 15 seconds. Repeat at five-second intervals, stirring and checking the consistency. The chocolate is ready when it freely drips from the spoon in a fine line. Spoon the chocolate into a large plastic food storage bag. Twist the bag until the chocolate is in one corner and then trim the tip of the bag. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies.

Variation: Add 1/2 teaspoon of any pure flavor extract, such as chocolate, almond, lemon, orange or coffee, to the cookie dough to create a signature cookie.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


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Wholesome Cooking at Home

(ARA) - We all want to eat a nutritious diet that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and manage cholesterol levels. The same holds true for diabetics; in fact, many of the guidelines for a balanced diabetic diet are useful for anyone who wants to stick to a healthful diet.

With all the refined sugars and processed carbohydrates found in today's grocery aisles and neighborhood markets, it's easy to see why anyone who is concerned about his or her health is intimidated by the idea of whipping up a healthy meal at home. Even though you have countless, long-forgotten cookbooks on your shelves and have visited various cooking Web sites, there aren't many recipes there that can offer you a healthful meal that won't send your blood sugar through the roof.

The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain, high-fiber foods and plenty of vegetables and fruits - the same foods that most people eat when they decide to follow a nutritious meal plan. Additionally, the ADA encourages diabetics to include "good" fats in appropriate portion sizes to reap the benefits of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. While many recipes might appear incompatible with nutritious diabetic eating, it's easier than you think to make them friendlier to a flavorful carbohydrate-controlled diet. Here are some tips:

Have a recipe that calls for a cup of sugar? Try cutting the amount in half and increasing the amount of spices in the recipe to amp up the natural sweetness.

Trying a recipe that asks for half a cup of butter or cream? Puree a medium-sized avocado in a blender or food processor and add more liquid to your mixture until you get the same creamy consistency.

The American Diabetes Association recommends avocados as a source of monounsaturated fat. Avocados have only 50 calories and less than 3 grams of carbohydrates per three-slice serving (or 1 ounce). The fat in avocados is two-thirds monounsaturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, mono- and polyunsaturated fats may actually help reduce cholesterol when consumed in moderation and substituted for saturated fat or trans fat in your diet.

Try incorporating avocados into your everyday meals to reap the benefits of nearly 20 vitamins and minerals and 1 gram of fiber per serving. By using appropriate amounts in pasta sauce, dips and garnishes for your favorite soups and salads, you can include avocados from Mexico year-round in your favorite dishes to add smooth texture and rich taste without putting your cholesterol levels at risk.

To get the best taste out of your avocado, buy avocados from Mexico ripe for immediate use, or firm for creating nutritious meals later in the week. Firm avocados will ripen to perfection when held at room temperature for one to three days. When they yield to gentle pressure, they're ready for the cooking to begin.

This holiday season, what better way to use your turkey leftovers than in a healthy, delicious sandwich? Try this recipe for a turkey sandwich with spicy avocado spread. For more recipes and ideas on how to incorporate avocados into your diet, visit www.theamazingavocado.com.

Turkey Sandwich with Spicy Avocado Spread

Makes: Four servings (1 cup of avocado spread)

Ingredients:

2 fully ripened avocados from Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle hot sauce

8 slices whole grain bread, toasted

8 ounces sliced cooked turkey

1 large ripe tomato, sliced

1 cup alfalfa sprouts


Directions:

In large bowl, mash together avocados, lime juice, salt and chipotle sauce. Spread on each bread slice. Top four of the bread slices with turkey, tomato and sprouts, dividing equally; cover with remaining bread slices. Garnish with sliced avocado, if desired.

Per serving: 355 calories, 22 grams protein, 16 grams fat, 36 grams carbohydrate


Courtesy of ARAcontent



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