Thanksgiving Do Aheads

Thanksgiving is next week! Eek! Are you ready? Did you know that there are lots of things you can do ahead? Here are a few of the do-aheads that can really save you time on the big day:

• SHOP! Seems like a no-brainer, but I can't believe how many people wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to do all the shopping for the holiday. Go now while the stores are stocked and the aisles are empty. You may need to make a quick last minute run, but that's a lot better than buying everything.
• TABLES: Prepare your table linens and centerpieces ahead and set them aside. If your are using the good china that's packed away, get that out and ready to go. I like to use natural things like nuts, acorns, wheat, all of which are long-lasting.

• FREEZE: Rolls can be shaped and frozen, ready for rising and baking. Cookie dough is great made ahead, as is pie crust. Cakes freeze best without frosting. Some casseroles and side dishes can also be made ahead and frozen. Think way ahead and make and freeze extra for Christmas, too.
• STOCK: If you make your own turkey stock for gravy, etc. you can do so with turkey legs and pieces purchased ahead of time.
  
• CRANBERRY SAUCE: Fresh cranberry sauce is so much better than canned. Make it several days ahead and refrigerate.
• BUTTER: Flavored butters such as herb butter, cinnamon or raspberry butter can be made a week ahead. Click here for some recipes.
  
• GRAVY: Roast a couple of extra turkey legs on Tuesday or Wednesday (don't you always need more than two anyway?) and use the drippings as the basis for your gravy, made a day or two ahead, too.
• CUT: cut up vegetables and ingredients for stuffing and such one day ahead.
• PIES & SIDES: Most pies can be made the day ahead as can many side dishes

With a little planning, early preparation can make for a stress-free turkey day!