New Traditions for the Thanksgiving Holiday

In what you now consider to be a moment of questionable good sense, you have invited an extended group of family and friends to your house for Thanksgiving dinner. Oops. Before you know it you will be staring at a frozen turkey asking yourself why me? Since this is a holiday steeped in tradition, it's not one that is easy to improvise. After all, you can't possibly substitute a store bought ham or frozen lasagna for a golden roasted, aroma-flowing turkey. Can you? Nah, you don't have to. This year, begin some new holiday traditions that blend with your jam-packed life.

First thing's first, you have to plan
Since you are the host-the general for the day, take on the star of the meal: the turkey and gravy. Choose from the million or so side dishes that are designed to accent the bird. Peruse your file box, favorite cookbooks and cooking Web sites to assemble the yummiest recipes. Now call upon your most reliable soldiers to contribute everything that surrounds the main feast.

Get the most out of your guests
Call Aunt Edna. Direct her, ever so sweetly to bring her scrumptious crab appetizer. (Closed-mouth Edna is never going to give away that secret recipe anyway.) When once-removed cousin Jack offers to make his broccoli and avocado gratin, laced with chopped pecans and garnished with candied lemon zest, take a deep breath. Instead, offer to fax him your simple recipe for sautéed green beans. Hopefully, battle weary Jack will oblige with this creative and edible veggie side dish.

If you have time to prepare a perfect pumpkin pie a day or two in advance, good for you. However, in a pinch, the corner bakery offers a long list of mouth-watering holiday treats. Direct your most kitchen impaired pal to make a well thought out choice when it comes to dessert.

Every year I share my new tradition's side dish recipes like corn soufflé casserole and white raisin dressing with my best pals - and they share theirs in return. We try to find dishes that can be made in advance and then baked ahead of time and brought warm to the dinner.

Pick a shopping day a week or two in advance
Check out specialty markets for hard to find ingredients like white raisins, aged sherry and new varieties of fresh herbs. Don't leave this task to the last minute - this is part of the FUN. Here's a stress-reducing tip: make your first shopping day stop at your favorite coffee house. Order a cup of pumpkin spiced coffee and a fresh baked pumpkin and butterscotch scone. While you are there, buy a pound of the delicious coffee and order some scones that you will pick up during your final batch of errands. Call it incentive.

With tummy full, stroll the aisles of your favorite food boutique for cranberry relish or chutney. Look for jars of pumpkin butter for a fragrant and appealing addition to warm, fresh rolls. Make a stop at the butcher to place an order for your great big bird. His first question is, "Do you want fresh or frozen?" Both are full of flavor and easily prepared. My quick rule of thumb is to choose a fresh turkey if you have room to store him properly in your refrigerator and have the time to pick him up the day before. Choose a frozen bird if you have more freezer space than time to run errands. Remember, the bigger the bird the longer the defrosting time.

Getting ready at home
Thanksgiving is the holiday that takes advantage of your best china and crystal. Take stock of your tableware early. Make sure you have enough for all of your guests. Coordinate the place settings, but remember, they don't have to match-in fact, an eclectic table is loads of fun. Fun blends with functionality when you pre-plan the table. Do you have several gravy boats or pitchers? Can you find enough serving platters and utensils? Bring out any special place card holders, porcelain salt and pepper shakers and newly popular pieces like menu holders. On shopping day, squeeze in a side trip to your favorite second hand store, antique shop or mall store china department to browse for some new fun pieces that will bring your table together.

With shopping day done, kick off your shoes and flop into that favorite chair. The menu is complete, the china sorted. You've purchased hard-to-find ingredients and bought all of the pantry staples you will need. Your favorite recipes have been faxed to friends and family. Guess what - you are well on your way to a stress free, yummy Thanksgiving Day… the start of your NEW TRADITION.

Also see:
• Holiday centerpiece ideas
• Leftover ideas
• Search our recipe database

Jorj Morgan is the Lifestyle Director of BlueSuitMom.com and the author of At Home In The Kitchen, a cookbook due in March 2001.