Preparing Thanksgiving Dishes Ahead of the Holiday
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time to cook a big feast. If you’re looking for ways to save time and energy in the kitchen, you might be wondering what you can prepare ahead of time and freeze for later. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to prepare certain ingredients ahead of time, including onions, celery, carrots, sweet potatoes, and more. Let's dive in and make this Thanksgiving season a breeze!
Sautéed Onions, Celery, Carrots, and Herbs
One of the most significant time-savers during the holidays is having a stash of frozen vegetables ready to go. Sauté the onions, celery, carrots, and herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage) until they're soft and fragrant. Then, let them cool, and portion them into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the fridge until you're ready to use them. When preparing your stuffing or other dishes, simply thaw what you need, and you'll have perfectly seasoned veggies in no time!
Pre-Boiled and Pre-Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a staple side dish for many families during the holidays. To make them ahead of time, boil or bake them until tender, then mash or puree them according to your desired consistency. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake them into a delicious casserole with marshmallows and sweet pecans. Thaw and bake as usual, and enjoy the extra time saved!
Other Ingredients You Can Prep Ahead
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, there are several other items you can prepare ahead of time for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas:
- Cranberry Sauce: Make it a week or two in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. It'll be ready when you need it!
- Mashed Potatoes: Like sweet potatoes, regular mashed potatoes can be prepped ahead of time. Boil, mash, and cool them before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat and serve when needed.
- Gravy: Prepare gravy stock by simmering turkey neck, giblets, and vegetables in water or broth. Strain and discard solids, then freeze the liquid in ice cube trays. When ready, thaw and use as desired.
- Green Bean Casserole: Prepare the green bean casserole components (green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions) separately, then assemble and bake during the holiday.
- Turkey Brine: Brine your turkey a day or two before cooking to enhance its flavor and moisture. Simply soak the bird in a mixture of salt, sugar, herbs, and spices dissolved in water.
Tips and Tricks: - Label and date all frozen items, including the contents and the date they were prepared.
- Freeze individual portions for easier thawing and usage.
- Utilize a slow cooker or Instant Pot to simplify meal prep and reduce cleanup.
- Plan your menu early to ensure you have enough time to prepare everything ahead of schedule.
- Don't forget to make extra for unexpected guests or leftovers!
Conclusion
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to prepping ahead for a stress-free Thanksgiving. By taking advantage of these tips and techniques, you'll save time, reduce anxiety, and enjoy more quality moments with your loved ones.
Bon appétit and happy holidays!
