Here are some critical things to help you sail through Thanksgiving this year. Write them down; don’t keep them in your head–
1) Guest List. Pretty basic, but seriously, make your list; check it twice and start making those all-important phone calls. Knowing how many to plan for is an integral part of successful holiday planning.
2) The Menu. What are you having besides turkey? Make your menu and appropriate grocery list and get everything purchased except the perishables (do that a few days before). If you have stuff that might get mistakenly eaten before the big day, put it in a box and stash it in the linen closet or label it instructing your loved ones to stay far, far away from this Thanksgiving food item.
3) The Turkey. If you’re going to order a fresh one, time’s running out. Make that phone call now. Make sure you get a confirmation number (put the confirmation number on your calendar or checklist). If you’re buying frozen go ahead and purchase it now, double bag it, and stick it in the fridge to start thawing.
4) Serving Pieces. Do you have everything you need? Platters, serving utensils, extra plates, napkins, etc.? Pull them out and set them aside; that’s one less thing you’ll need to do. If you don’t have what you need, buy them or make phone calls to borrow and pick them up as soon as possible.
5) Linen Check. Pull out your tablecloth and napkins. Are they clean, are they pressed? If not, wash and iron them now then hang them up on hangers and put them in your hall closet (or wherever you can hang them). Doing them the night before or the day of will exhaust you! There’s way too much to do on those two days.
Remember that holidays are for everyone, INCLUDING the cook! Don’t forget to ask for help, allow others to bring some of their favorite dishes and on cooking day, make time to stop, put your feet up and be very thankful for the faces that will be sitting around your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy yourself this year!
We have our Celebrations for the Freezer ebook HERE if you want it really easy!
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This delicious Gingerbread Cake is easy to make, easy to share, and makes a beautiful, homemade and inexpensive gift!
Gingerbread Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two small (3 x 6 inch) loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, orange zest, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and salt).
- Into a different mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Gradually add eggs and continue to blend until fluffy.
- To the wet ingredients, beat in molasses, 1/2 of the flour mixture and the buttermilk until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Add remaining flour along with the orange juice and continue to stir until well blended.
- Pour batter into loaf pans and bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
We have more recipes like this in our fabulous Holiday Treats ebook Bundle!