The Smaller Thanksgiving List: 10 people, Mom's House

because proper preparation and planning prevents poor performance!

at least 1 month before
1. purchase free-range turkey from local farmer

at least 1 week before
1. finalize menu

• pumpkin soup - Jamie & I
• spinach salad - mom
• marshamallow salad - mom
• mashed potatoes - Jamie & I
• sweet potatoes ala Smitten Kitchen - Jamie & I
• turkey - Jamie & I
• dressing - Jamie & I
• gravy - Jamie & I
• bread/rolls - Jamie & I
• dessert: pecan pie, pumpkin pie, apple dumplings - Jamie & I
• beverages - mom?
• cranberry sauce - Trader Joe

2. make up grocery list
3. make and freeze pie crusts
4. timeline food prep
5. confirm that the food thermometer works

Monday
1. grocery shop



Tuesday
1. make mashed potatoes
2. roast pumpkins
3. make pumpkin soup
4. mix up brine


Wednesday
1. pick up turkey
2. brine big turkey
3. mix up turkey rub
4. make dressing
5. prep sweet potatoes
6. mix up pecan pie filling
7. stage apple dumplings
8. pack everything up and move into Mom's house (don't forget the Nespresso maker!)

Thursday
1. remove potatoes from fridge
2. rub down turkey if you didn't brine
3. run & empty dishwasher
4. confirm garbage can is empty
5. sweep front porch and walk
6. stage tea station


12:00
1. make a thermos of coffee & prep coffee maker for next round
2. make sure you have eaten something sustaining
3. check your clothes: are you bespattered?

1:45
1. confirm small lamps and candles are on/lit
2. confirm dishwasher is empty
3. turn on coffee pot

2:00
1. dine

3:00
1. rest whilst others clean up. 

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