Ok I don’t have a lot of time (three kids, candy business at the holidays) so this one won’t be pretty, but it will be helpful. Let’s get down to business.
You need to be doing two things right now:
1. Working through your grocery list
2. Making sure you have the supplies you need
1. Groceries
How: There are a ton of items you can be buying in the couple of weeks before Thanksgiving to save you a mad dash at the last minute.
Pro Tip: Grocery stores are notorious for pulling holiday items from their normal shelf space to create end caps. If you can’t find something on the shelf, that doesn’t mean it’s sold out!! It may just be temporarily relocated. Sometimes convenient, sometimes annoying AF.
Also: I’m not judging anyone for anything. Yes, you will see instant mashed potatoes on my list. You do you!
Boxed & Canned
- Dried spices – thyme, sage, rosemary, pumpkin spice
- Stuffing cubes
- Broth – chicken, turkey, veggie. *Buy more than you think you’ll need! Here’s why.
- Fried onions
- Cornbread mix
- Flour
- Sugar
- Canned pumpkin/pie filling
- Canned veggies – green beans, peas, corn
- Soups – cream of whatever for your casseroles
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Boxed mac ‘n cheese
- Jarred gravy/seasoning packets
- Marshmallows
- Dried fruit
- Crackers – for appetizers platters
- Nuts – pecans, almonds
- Jams or jellies
- Red wine
Cold & Frozen
- Butter – check to see if your recipe calls for salted or unsalted
- Pie crusts
- Frozen fruit
- Whipped cream
- Cream cheese
- Frozen vegetables
- Cheeses – blocks and shredded
- Beer & white wine
Non-food
- Disposable tin roasting pan
- Disposable tin baking dishes
- Tin foil
- Plastic wrap
- Cleaning supplies – paper towels, sprays
- Food storage containers
- Paper Goods – napkins, cups, plates
2. Kitchen Supplies
Here are a few items I rely on heavily to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I’m including Amazon links so you can get these quickly if you need to. Everything I’ve linked is inexpensive and from a brand I know and trust. Nearly all of these items are under $20 and can be used throughout the year, not just Turkey Day.
Must-haves:
- Turkey Roasting Pan – Elevating your turkey on this non-stick rack will promote even cooking and catch the drippings for your gravy. Comes in two sizes, depending on the weight of your turkey. And it’s not super expensive.
- Gravy Separator – Once you’ve caught your drippings, let this heat resistant separator do the dirty work and strain the fat for you.
- Meat Thermometer – ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL for turkey success! I use this exact meat thermometer all the time because it ensures that all of my dishes are cooked to a safe temp but not dried out. The pop thing that comes in the turkey is unreliable. You need this.
- Potato Ricer – This was rated #1 in Cook’s Illustrated! (That’s a huge deal) It will allow you to make fluffy mashed potatoes on Turkey day and create a variety of other purees and sauces throughout the year.
- Turkey Baster – This combined with the meat thermometer will keep you from serving dry turkey. But if you do, here’s how you can save it!
Not absolutely necessary but very helpful:
- Herb Cutter – The handy-dandiest herb gadget on the market. I use mine at least once a week!
- Flavor Injector – Inject big flavor fast. Includes four needles of differing thicknesses for thicker or thinner marinades that can be used on lots of different cuts of meat throughout the year.
- Turkey Lifters – Yes, these are a thing. They’re super durable for lifting and plating your turkey, and they’re elegant enough to use for serving.
- Brining Kit – – I’m not here for a brining debate, just to let you know that if you choose to brine the bird, it can add a ton of moisture and flavor.
- Garlic Press – Mince garlic instantly without odors lingering on your hands. One of my all-time favorite kitchen gadgets, I truly use mine all the time.
- Bench Scrape – not just for pastry! Use to make your hours of chopping move more quickly.
- Veggie Peeler – You probably have a vertical peeler that kind of sucks. You need a y-shaped horizontal peeler. Trust me.
- Pastry Kit – I love a kit. Each of these items alone will up your pastry game, but put them all together and you’ll be a pro in no time.
Just because they’re pretty….
- Gold Flatware – so elegant! This is the Amazon Basics brand and the price is for 4 sets.
- Copper Mugs – not just for Moscow Mules! Beautiful for serving sweet tea or even water!
- Slate Cheese Boards – this comes as a set of 6 boards for under $20! This allows you to have a cohesive looks while grouping small appetizers together. Put a few on the counter and a few on the dinner table.
- Gravy Boat – comes with a ladle and saucer to catch drips. You’re a grownup. You need a gravy boat.
Best of luck to all of you over the next couple of weeks! Let me know if you have any questions!
*This post contains Amazon Influencer affiliate links for products that I enjoy and recommend for you. If you use these links to purchase items through Amazon, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you
