Funny Video Clips

I can remember growing up scenes of my Mom and other relatives having discussions about Thanksgiving dinner ideas right up to the day before Thanksgiving, though most of the planning was done at least a week or two in advance. I can remember Thanksgiving Day preparations having Mom or my aunt or their cousin or whoever being completely worn out by the time everyone sat down to eat. It was an all-day eventful production starting with turkey prep as the sun rose and ending in a frenzy of serving and cleanup.

As for ideas about Thanksgiving, those childhood memories sweep back into view because I’m living them now as an adult. It’s now me having discussions with my wife and other family members about ideas for Thanksgiving day, dinner, desert, and activities. Earlier today in fact we were still talking about what we’re going to do tomorrow. Of course, the conversation turns to food.

See, the thing about being the one preparing the Thanksgiving Day feast is that you end up “mouth testing” each dish for the proper taste and seasoning, so you feel like you’re smelling and eating all day before you actually sit down to eat! In fact, at that point, the very idea Thanksgiving dinner can sometimes be a turn-off since the preparation work all but consumed you on so many levels during the day. In my case, I figured enough was enough after several years of this routine, until I discovered some excellent techniques with help reduce the all-day marathon cooking activities, stress, and fatigue, so that now all I have to worry about on Turkey Day is getting the turkey in the oven and brewing a pot of coffee after dinner.

With that, here are some tips for easy and delicious Thanksgiving dinner ideas and strategies. Granted, I realize it’s the day before the big day right now, but you may be able to use some of this in your preparation tomorrow and certainly for the upcoming Christmas holiday and Thanksgiving next year as well.

Instead of juggling all the food in your frig to make room for that 20 pound bird, try this Thanksgiving dinner idea tip from a seasoned military cook. Pick up your frozen bird at the store the day before Thanksgiving. (Be sure to order ahead of time!) Fill a large picnic style cooler with enough ice cold water to cover the bird. Close the lid. Before you go to bed, turn the turkey over. It will be ready to cook by morning. This works wonders and it’s safe.

Have you ever wondered why your turkey doesn’t cook in the time given on the directions? The reason is because of the amount of time the oven door is open as you periodically baste the bird. This Thanksgiving dinner idea is a gem. Melt a stick of butter and add seasonings. Slip your fingers between the breast and leg skin, gently separating the skin from the meat. Set the bird on end and pour the butter between the skin and meat, using your clean fingers to distribute the butter. Place the bird breast side up on a rack, cover with foil and put it in the oven. The result is that you get a bird that effectively bastes itself while cooking. No need now for you to constantly open the oven and let all that good cooking heat escape, causing the inside of the oven to cool.

Want some great do-ahead menu items to save time on Turkey day itself? These great ideas will come in super-handy for Thanksgiving dinner preparations. Think about it: Most traditional Thanksgiving pies like pumpkin, squash, apple, and pecan pies are great menu items to do in advance. Put your freezer to use - get the pies in there! Then, remove and thaw the pies the day before and bake them the night before. You can do the same for biscuits and rolls.

While your pies are baking, chop any vegetables you’ll use in your stuffing. Season and bag up in the frig until morning. Peel and cook potatoes, then bag them for mashing tomorrow. Cranberry sauce? This can be cooking while you’re chopping.

So the bottom line is this: Great Thanksgiving dinner ideas have one thing in common: Less work and a lot more Thanksgiving on Turkey Day! Do-ahead appetizers are often the most elaborate and delicious. Search for recipes online that suit your menu and tastes. Shop these ingredients a couple of weeks ahead of time and spend a Saturday making these treats. Freeze and forget until Thanksgiving. While you’re prepping the turkey, bake your appetizers.

Here’s a funny Thanksgiving video that will tickle your turkey wishbone as you finally discover the ability to truly make Thanksgiving a holiday breeze and not a day involving one pot after another of stress like it used to be!

Hope these ideas help you this year or any year for that matter! Go on and enjoy the holiday for once! Make it a real holiday instead of an agonizing “work” holiday. Because of these ideas and your putting them into action, you will have plenty of time now for greeting, visiting, and chatting with your guests and still have a magnificent meal for all to enjoy! It’s all possible with a simple yet effective set of Thanksgiving dinner ideas.