Thanksgiving Preparations
Sorry I’ve been away from the blog for a while, but I’m getting ready for Thanksgiving and just catching up on other odds and ends.
Yesterday I cleaned house in the morning, and then spent the afternoon baking. I’m trying to do as much of the Thanksgiving baking done ahead of time as possible.
But first, I got supper going: About mid morning, I went down into the basement to get a roast out of the deep freeze for supper. I came up with a tenderloin roast, which I then thawed a little in the microwave so I could cut it into 3 pieces so it would fit in the crock pot. Not sure which animal the roast came from, but I think it was this one. Talk about knowing where your food comes from. Then I poured a can of beef broth over it. Digging around in the pantry revealed a bottle of marinade. Something new. So I poured a generous helping over the roast. Then I found some leftover mushrooms in the fridge so I sliced them up and tossed them in. Then I cut up an onion(from our garden) in thin slices and tossed that in too. Slapped the lid on and let it go for a while.
On to the baking: First I made Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Icing from this recipe. (Thank you Teresa!) Never tried this recipe before and they smelled divine while baking. After they came out of the oven and cooled, I wrapped them up tightly and popped them into the freezer. I made the icing and put it into a zip bag and put it into the freezer too. I can’t wait for Thanksgiving morning to try these.
While the rolls were baking, I made pie crust dough for a pumpkin pie and apple pie. I divided the dough into 3 parts, 2 crusts for the apple and 1 for the pumpkin, wrapped them up tightly and popped them into the fridge.
Somewhere between the pie dough and a ton of dishes, I trotted down into the basement again for some potatoes (from our garden). I scrubbed, halved them and then tucked them in under the roast. When Harland came in from chores, I pulled the roast, potatoes, mushrooms and onions out, and made some gravy with the broth. I put one of those bags of vegetables in the microwave and then we sat down for supper. Then more dishes, showers, a little tv, and bed. Whew!
When it gets closer to Thanksgiving, I’ll pull the pie dough out of the fridge, roll it out, make the fillings and bake the pies.
What are you baking/cooking ahead of Thankgiving this year?
I’m off work this week after today and plan to make a pumpkin cheesecake, almond slaw and a big long dish of hash brown potato casserole. I may take advantage of the time off and stir up the nutmeg Christmas cookie dough and keep it in the fridge or freezer for the ultimate decorating party with my daughter and grand kids.
Time always seems so short once the holidays begin with only weekends to get everything done in. Oh, I may stir up and prebake some honey wheat rolls as well. Can’t beat them with real butter and the pear honey my daughter and I put up this fall. Happy Thanksgiving all!
I’d just like to comment that you should include your wheat bread recipe as part of the Thanksgiving meal! I have made it before and it is awesome!! I am planning to make it on Wednesday and bake it after the turkey is done on Thursday 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for this site!
That’s a great idea, to get a lot done beforehand…makes the day much more relaxing. I can’t believe you popped those rolls in the freezer without sampling…now that’s discipline! 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I’m making a sugar-free pumpkin pie for my diabetic husband. We will take it with us to my sister’s house so that he can “indulge” with the rest of us. I’m also bringing green bean casserole and I hope I will have time to make your flaky biscuits. Nothing ever tastes quite as good as your recipe.
You all are putting me to shame. It will just be me and the Hubbie this year so I am doing a small turkey breast with all the fixin’s and bought a pie from Trader Joe’s. It was voted number one frozen pie last week. You also don’t have to cook it, just thaw and enjoy. I wish everone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and I hope your pies come out great!!
Already made the cranberry sauce with apples, and it is in the freezer. Also making Corn pudding,
green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, besides the usual turkey, dressing and
mashed potatoes. Sounds like we are having an army, but there will be only six of us, plus lots of
planned-overs. Happy Thanksgiving!
Making strawberry pretzel jello salad, something I haven’t had for many years, but remember fondly!
Our Thanksgiving gathering takes place at my eldest daughter’s home. I, too, have been baking and cooking ahead as our other daughter and her family of five will be staying with us.
I’m making pecan and pumpking pies as well as the cranberry sauce and I’m cooking a ham on the big day to supplement the turkey. My daughter expects a big crowd.
What a wonderful holiday to kick back and be truly thankful for our bounty. And our New England Patriots play the Jets that night to cap off a great day!! Go Patriots!!
Well, I was going to cook ahead, Suzanne, but I think the 3 of us will just load up and head to your house for dinner! It’s only a 10-hour drive. 😉 Hope you and Harland and Kitty have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving and peace be with you Suzanne, Harland and Kitty! Your family has been a blessing in my life, I wish you all the best.
I just made a deep dish pecan pie to take to the in-laws on Friday (we split holidays and celebrate with both families on different days since they live within a couple miles of each other and we want quality time with both sets). I hope it’s good, it took 12oz of pecans and 6 eggs and more sugar than I’m willing to fess up to.
I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving Suzanne, Harland and Kitty! You had so many projects going, made me tired just reading about your day! I really enjoyed your post and going along with you for this and that was great fun. Thanks!
Man, you were a busy lady with all that cooking…sounds like me. I am forever baking or cooking. 🙂