Thanksgiving —- Freaky Curry Style

Thanksgiving. What a beautiful holiday. Based on a simple concept of saying “Thanks”.
One of the magic words we are teaching our son 🙂 Such a simple word which conveys such a big gesture.

I love it. So, over the years, my husband I have been fortunate enough to host Thanksgiving for our family and friends with no family around. We invite our neighbors and colleagues to partake in food and the festivities around the holiday.

We have a big ole’ Turkey and all the traditional fixins’ along with some of my own creations. This Thanksgiving is going to be a little more special as my brother is coming from college for the holiday. We will have a full house. My sis will be in town too.

So each one of us in the family have our own signature dishes we make. My sis makes a FABULOUS Risotto. I actually learned to make my risotto from her. You should check out my variation of a holiday style risotto here. I am really hoping she will make hers again this year.

http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2011/09/sweet-potato-risotto-with-maple.html

My brother bakes a mean apple pie. Check the pics out from last year.. yummmm…

http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

and of course my mom !! Well, she makes everything and all of you know I learned how to cook from her. but she makes this amazing Irish soda bread especially during the holidays which is absolutely DIVINE !! Check the pics here from last year.

http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

Talking about all this is making me hungry.. 🙂
Before we all go cooking, here are a few random tips I have learned/read/liked over the years for this special day and I want to share them with you all.

1. Leave time to thaw a frozen turkey: 24 hours per 5 pounds in the refrigerator (3 days for a 15-pound turkey), or 1 hour per pound in cold water. Don’t refrigerate a fresh, raw turkey in the refrigerator longer than 3 days before cooking

2. If you truss, keep it loose. Tying the legs too closely to the body can make the legs and thighs cook more slowly while the breast overcooks

3. Pop-up indicators are rarely accurate. Skip it and use an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer. With the body cavity facing toward you, slide it into the thickest part at the bottom of the thigh, below and to the inside of the leg. Wiggle the tip to make sure it doesn’t hit bone.

4. Make soups (non cream based) up to a week before and freeze it. A day before, thaw in fridge and add cream if needed the day of while heating.

5. Use hollowed out bread “bowls” to serve as containers for soups, dips and such.

6. Always have a vegetarian side dish(es). Some guests might enjoy a lighter fare. Make your soups with a veggie broth instead of a chicken stock.

7. Have low calorie options like dressings, whipped topping etc. You are the host. Be prepared.

8. Keep nuts on the side in-case you have a guest with allergies.

9. Assemble your casseroles a day or two before and bake on the day of.

10. Let the chutneys/jams sit overnight in the fridge to absorb all the flavors.

11. Clean the house the day or two before and not on the day of. You do not want added stress. This also includes table settings and center pieces.

12. It’s OK to ask for help. It’s OK not to have a Turkey !! and It’s absolutely OK to eat out. 🙂 Whatever your tradition is, be Thankful for it 🙂

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful holiday. You can make it your own by just planning ahead. If this is your first time hosting, I wish you all the very best ! Relax, and try to enjoy the company of your guests and family. Even if you burn the turkey or even if the potatoes are dry, who cares at the end of the day !! It’s a great story to tell the next year 🙂

I will be posting some recipes here in a couple of days which you all can use to make your Turkey day a little special. As usual, “like” us on Facebook and ask questions if need be.

Hope you all have a safe and a wonderful Holiday.

Always remember; Food is a great leveler. Respect it, Cherish it, Share it.

What do you all have planned for Thanksgiving this year ?