Cooking & Baking

Except I start on Tuesday. On Tuesday I salt the bird and set it on a rack in the fridge to dry before I roast it. I also make the gravy with the innards and make the pie crusts on Tuesday Then I give the house a good cleaning and set up the buffet table.

On Wednesday I bake pies and line up ingredients for Thursday. Then I make salads—this year is red cabbage with feta and dates, as well as a carrot salad. I bake rolls usually, but this year someone else is. Some people also set the table a day ahead, but I have cats, so…

On Thursday, the turkey goes into the oven. While it bakes, I make mashed potatoes to keep warm in the slow cooker and construct the casserole sides (sweet potatoes, dressing, green bean casserole), which will go into oven while the turkey rests. Put out the snacks and drinks, set the table, reheat the gravy, and we’re ready to go.