On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
> include:
>
> Menu
>
> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> doesn't actually have a recipe.
>
> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>
> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>
> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>
> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>
You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.

jay

On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
> > include:
> >
> > Menu
> >
> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
> >
> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> >
> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> >
> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
> >
> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> >
> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>
> jay

That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
about his stuffing.

We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
organize it like Operation Overlord.

Cindy Hamilton

"Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
...
> On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
>> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>> > include:
>> >
>> > Menu
>> >
>> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
>> >
>> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>> >
>> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
>> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>> >
>> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>> >
>> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>> >
>> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
>> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
>> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>>
>> jay
>
> That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
> about his stuffing.
>
> We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
> organize it like Operation Overlord.
>
> Cindy Hamilton


I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday cooking
doesn't really need to be complicated.

Cheri

On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:52:57 AM UTC-4, Cheri wrote:
> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
> >> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> >> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
> >> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
> >> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
> >> > include:
> >> >
> >> > Menu
> >> >
> >> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> >> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
> >> >
> >> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> >> >
> >> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
> >> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> >> >
> >> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> >> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
> >> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
> >> >
> >> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> >> >
> >> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
> >> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
> >> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
> >>
> >> jay
> >
> > That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
> > about his stuffing.
> >
> > We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
> > organize it like Operation Overlord.
> >
> > Cindy Hamilton
>
>
> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
> Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday cooking
> doesn't really need to be complicated.
>
> Cheri

We sometimes have cranberry-orange relish as dessert (which is
made the day before). Yeah, we're a little weird.

Cindy Hamilton

"Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
...
> On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:52:57 AM UTC-4, Cheri wrote:
>> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
>> >> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> >> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>> >> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>> >> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>> >> > include:
>> >> >
>> >> > Menu
>> >> >
>> >> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>> >> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
>> >> >
>> >> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>> >> >
>> >> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
>> >> > prior
>> >> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>> >> >
>> >> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>> >> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>> >> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>> >> >
>> >> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>> >> >
>> >> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
>> >> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
>> >> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>> >>
>> >> jay
>> >
>> > That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
>> > about his stuffing.
>> >
>> > We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
>> > organize it like Operation Overlord.
>> >
>> > Cindy Hamilton
>>
>>
>> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
>> Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday
>> cooking
>> doesn't really need to be complicated.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> We sometimes have cranberry-orange relish as dessert (which is
> made the day before). Yeah, we're a little weird.
>
> Cindy Hamilton


Weird is good at times. To add to the above, that doesn't mean that I
don't make lists when going grocery shopping for the things I will need.

Cheri

On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 1:05:58 PM UTC-4, Cheri wrote:
> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:52:57 AM UTC-4, Cheri wrote:
> >> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
> >> >> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> >> >> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
> >> >> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
> >> >> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
> >> >> > include:
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Menu
> >> >> >
> >> >> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> >> >> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
> >> >> > prior
> >> >> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> >> >> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
> >> >> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> >> >> >
> >> >> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
> >> >> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
> >> >> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
> >> >>
> >> >> jay
> >> >
> >> > That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
> >> > about his stuffing.
> >> >
> >> > We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
> >> > organize it like Operation Overlord.
> >> >
> >> > Cindy Hamilton
> >>
> >>
> >> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
> >> Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday
> >> cooking
> >> doesn't really need to be complicated.
> >>
> >> Cheri
> >
> > We sometimes have cranberry-orange relish as dessert (which is
> > made the day before). Yeah, we're a little weird.
> >
> > Cindy Hamilton
>
>
> Weird is good at times. To add to the above, that doesn't mean that I
> don't make lists when going grocery shopping for the things I will need.

Ditto. When I shop on November 15, I'll have turkey, Bob Evans
spicy breakfast sausage, celery, onion, squishy white bread,
etc., on the list. Stuff that either I don't usually have on
hand (bread, sausage) or that I want to ensure I'm not out
by Thanksgiving (celery, onion).

Criminy! That's only two weeks away.

Cindy Hamilton

On Wed, 31 Oct 2018 07:52:22 -0700, "Cheri" >
wrote:

>"Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
...
>>
>> That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
>> about his stuffing.
>>
>> We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
>> organize it like Operation Overlord.
>>
>> Cindy Hamilton
>
>
>I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
>Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday cooking
>doesn't really need to be complicated.

No you just pull out the Cool Whip!

Cheri wrote:

> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
> > > On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> >>> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the
> following >>> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me
> allows for >>> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes.
> The printouts >>> include:
> > > >
> >>> Menu
> > > >
> >>> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> >>> doesn't actually have a recipe.
> > > >
> >>> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> > > >
> >>> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
> prior >>> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> > > >
> >>> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> >>> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is
> that >>> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of
> me.
> > > >
> >>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> > > >
> > > You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG
> > > meals for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey
> > > dinner from the local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about
> > > it all.
> > >
> > > jay
> >
> > That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
> > about his stuffing.
> >
> > We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
> > organize it like Operation Overlord.
> >
> > Cindy Hamilton
>
>
> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance
> either. Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well.
> Holiday cooking doesn't really need to be complicated.
>
> Cheri

Here it all rather depends on how many will be served. In Japan, it
was usualy just the 3 of us plus a sailor or 2 from our Sasebo ships
and we'd get a little fancy with some aspects (or figuring out an
alternative if the commissarry was out of something and shippage meant
none would arrive before the holiday). Not too fancy though.

Here we range from 24 to 3 guests depending on the year. We are
shaping that now and looks like 8 guests (numbers will change up or
down as we get closer). Thats 11 folks when you add us in. I can fit
2 10lb or so birds in the oven and if we hit 24 or so folks, the
neighbors cook a ham to make the gap for the meats. As the group here
expands (2007-current), folks bring a bit of what they can afford. If
it's a small group, we handle it (and may get a gift of cookies or
something for the group at the table).

Before any think this is crazy, we live in an older neighborhood where
almost all are either young folks with 1-2 toddlers trying to make a go
with first home, and older folks often on social security. It hasn't
transitioned yet to a more mixed age group for the most part.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Cheri wrote:
>
>> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
>> > > On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> >>> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the
>> following >>> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me
>> allows for >>> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes.
>> The printouts >>> include:
>> > > >
>> >>> Menu
>> > > >
>> >>> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>> >>> doesn't actually have a recipe.
>> > > >
>> >>> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>> > > >
>> >>> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
>> prior >>> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>> > > >
>> >>> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>> >>> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is
>> that >>> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of
>> me.
>> > > >
>> >>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>> > > >
>> > > You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG
>> > > meals for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey
>> > > dinner from the local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about
>> > > it all.
>> > >
>> > > jay
>> >
>> > That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
>> > about his stuffing.
>> >
>> > We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
>> > organize it like Operation Overlord.
>> >
>> > Cindy Hamilton
>>
>>
>> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance
>> either. Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well.
>> Holiday cooking doesn't really need to be complicated.
>>
>> Cheri
>
> Here it all rather depends on how many will be served. In Japan, it
> was usualy just the 3 of us plus a sailor or 2 from our Sasebo ships
> and we'd get a little fancy with some aspects (or figuring out an
> alternative if the commissarry was out of something and shippage meant
> none would arrive before the holiday). Not too fancy though.
>
> Here we range from 24 to 3 guests depending on the year. We are
> shaping that now and looks like 8 guests (numbers will change up or
> down as we get closer). Thats 11 folks when you add us in. I can fit
> 2 10lb or so birds in the oven and if we hit 24 or so folks, the
> neighbors cook a ham to make the gap for the meats. As the group here
> expands (2007-current), folks bring a bit of what they can afford. If
> it's a small group, we handle it (and may get a gift of cookies or
> something for the group at the table).
>
> Before any think this is crazy, we live in an older neighborhood where
> almost all are either young folks with 1-2 toddlers trying to make a go
> with first home, and older folks often on social security. It hasn't
> transitioned yet to a more mixed age group for the most part.

The largest one I had was 24 people, this year there will just be the two of
us for Thanksgiving since we are scheduled for the Christmas celebration.

Cheri

Cheri wrote:

> "cshenk" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Cheri wrote:
> >
> >>"Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> >>> On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
> >>> > On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> >>>>> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the
> >>following >>> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me
> >>allows for >>> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes.
> >>The printouts >>> include:
> >>> > >
> >>>>> Menu
> >>> > >
> >>>>> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> >>>>> doesn't actually have a recipe.
> >>> > >
> >>>>> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> >>> > >
> >>>>> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
> >>prior >>> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> >>> > >
> >>>>> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> >>>>> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is
> >>that >>> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front
> of
> > > me.
> >>> > >
> >>>>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> >>> > >
> >>> > You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG
> >>> > meals for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey
> >>> > dinner from the local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about
> >>> > it all.
> >>> >
> >>> > jay
> > > >
> >>> That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
> >>> about his stuffing.
> > > >
> >>> We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
> >>> organize it like Operation Overlord.
> > > >
> >>> Cindy Hamilton
> > >
> > >
> > > I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance
> > > either. Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as
> > > well. Holiday cooking doesn't really need to be complicated.
> > >
> > > Cheri
> >
> > Here it all rather depends on how many will be served. In Japan, it
> > was usualy just the 3 of us plus a sailor or 2 from our Sasebo ships
> > and we'd get a little fancy with some aspects (or figuring out an
> > alternative if the commissarry was out of something and shippage
> > meant none would arrive before the holiday). Not too fancy though.
> >
> > Here we range from 24 to 3 guests depending on the year. We are
> > shaping that now and looks like 8 guests (numbers will change up or
> > down as we get closer). Thats 11 folks when you add us in. I can
> > fit 2 10lb or so birds in the oven and if we hit 24 or so folks, the
> > neighbors cook a ham to make the gap for the meats. As the group
> > here expands (2007-current), folks bring a bit of what they can
> > afford. If it's a small group, we handle it (and may get a gift of
> > cookies or something for the group at the table).
> >
> > Before any think this is crazy, we live in an older neighborhood
> > where almost all are either young folks with 1-2 toddlers trying to
> > make a go with first home, and older folks often on social
> > security. It hasn't transitioned yet to a more mixed age group for
> > the most part.
>
> The largest one I had was 24 people, this year there will just be the
> two of us for Thanksgiving since we are scheduled for the Christmas
> celebration.
>
> Cheri

For us, we dropped by 1 then grew by one since I posted. I doubt we
have more than 15 this year (includes us 3). All neighbors which makes
it different from a 'family gathering' but we like it.

The Ethan Allen table (got off freecycle, small puppy teething issues
fixed) seats 10 easy then the Japanese 'sit on the floor' handles 6
with ease or 6 kids and 4 adults. I have another table that can seat 6
if cozy. After that, we bring out the other 2 coffee tables and sit on
the floor around them (6 roomy on the smaller one and 8 close by on the
larger one). As you can see, can handle 30+ here. Only once did we
have near that and it was several years ago.

"Cheri" > wrote in message
news
> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
>>> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>>> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>>> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>>> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>>> > include:
>>> >
>>> > Menu
>>> >
>>> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>>> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
>>> >
>>> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>>> >
>>> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
>>> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>>> >
>>> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>>> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>>> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>>> >
>>> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>>> >
>>> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
>>> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
>>> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>>>
>>> jay
>>
>> That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
>> about his stuffing.
>>
>> We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
>> organize it like Operation Overlord.
>>
>> Cindy Hamilton
>
>
> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
> Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday
> cooking doesn't really need to be complicated.

The only time I felt the need to do that was when I was cooking for a lot of
people and having to come up with essentially two or three different meals
at a time due to medical problems, toddlers or food dislikes. Then I finally
hit on one meal that everyone would eat. Problem solved.

When I was growing up, we often ate holiday meals out because my mom hated
to cook. But when she did cook, it was always a stress filled mess.

She would always cook the turkey the night before and then carve it and
reheat it in the oven, which ensured it would be tough and dried out. We had
scratch mashed potatoes until she discovered Betty Crocker and then we had
instant. Also yams with marshmallow topping. Cranberry salad. Jell-O salad.
Cranberry bread. Brown and Serve rolls. Gravy from a packet. Canned corn.
Green salad.

Prior to dinner we had Fritos and bean dip, mixed nuts, a cheese plate, and
a relish plate. Usually the cheese and relish plate made it to the table
too.

Dessert was usually a frozen carrot cake, served frozen with frozen Cool
Whip. More cranberry bread, fudge. Sometimes divinity. I'm sure there were
other things but I didn't pay much attention because I always scooted the
relish tray in front of me and had at it while they ate dessert.

And every year, my mom forgot to put the Jell-O salad on the table. Why she
even made it, I do not know.

The meal was never enjoyable and we were not feeling thankful at all. Reason
being, there was so much screaming and carrying on as the meal was being
prepared. She enlisted everyone's help but micromanaged everything we did.
And we had to do everything exactly as she said, including whipping the
potatoes very well, despite the box saying not to whip. The addition of a
microwave for some reason only made things worse. The food was never all
ready at once and at some point, she would start shrieking and telling us to
sit down and begin eating what we had. This never worked because we wouldn't
have butter or gravy or some other thing that we really needed and she
wouldn't let us go into the kitchen. She also wound up burning at least one
thing after we cleared out of there.

Memories like that are what make me try hard to keep it simple. I make what
I can ahead of time and if I can find something to buy that's good, I buy
it. I finally found some good pre-made mashed potatoes that actually taste
good. Just potatoes, cream, butter, salt and pepper. Need to try to figure
out where I bought those. I'd rather have less variety, but still good food.

"Julie Bove" wrote in message news

"Cheri" > wrote in message
news
> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 8:20:41 AM UTC-4, jay wrote:
>>> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>>> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>>> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>>> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>>> > include:
>>> >
>>> > Menu
>>> >
>>> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>>> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
>>> >
>>> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>>> >
>>> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
>>> > day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>>> >
>>> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>>> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>>> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>>> >
>>> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>>> >
>>> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
>>> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the
>>> local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>>>
>>> jay
>>
>> That wouldn't fly in our house--my husband is very particular
>> about his stuffing.
>>
>> We make turkey, stuffing, gravy, and tossed salad. No need to
>> organize it like Operation Overlord.
>>
>> Cindy Hamilton
>
>
> I've never felt the need to "organize" or make lists in advance either.
> Traditional meal like yours, maybe a pie, cake etc. as well. Holiday
> cooking doesn't really need to be complicated.

The only time I felt the need to do that was when I was cooking for a lot of
people and having to come up with essentially two or three different meals
at a time due to medical problems, toddlers or food dislikes. Then I finally
hit on one meal that everyone would eat. Problem solved.

When I was growing up, we often ate holiday meals out because my mom hated
to cook. But when she did cook, it was always a stress filled mess.

She would always cook the turkey the night before and then carve it and
reheat it in the oven, which ensured it would be tough and dried out. We had
scratch mashed potatoes until she discovered Betty Crocker and then we had
instant. Also yams with marshmallow topping. Cranberry salad. Jell-O salad.
Cranberry bread. Brown and Serve rolls. Gravy from a packet. Canned corn.
Green salad.

Prior to dinner we had Fritos and bean dip, mixed nuts, a cheese plate, and
a relish plate. Usually the cheese and relish plate made it to the table
too.

Dessert was usually a frozen carrot cake, served frozen with frozen Cool
Whip. More cranberry bread, fudge. Sometimes divinity. I'm sure there were
other things but I didn't pay much attention because I always scooted the
relish tray in front of me and had at it while they ate dessert.

And every year, my mom forgot to put the Jell-O salad on the table. Why she
even made it, I do not know.

The meal was never enjoyable and we were not feeling thankful at all. Reason
being, there was so much screaming and carrying on as the meal was being
prepared. She enlisted everyone's help but micromanaged everything we did.
And we had to do everything exactly as she said, including whipping the
potatoes very well, despite the box saying not to whip. The addition of a
microwave for some reason only made things worse. The food was never all
ready at once and at some point, she would start shrieking and telling us to
sit down and begin eating what we had. This never worked because we wouldn't
have butter or gravy or some other thing that we really needed and she
wouldn't let us go into the kitchen. She also wound up burning at least one
thing after we cleared out of there.

Memories like that are what make me try hard to keep it simple. I make what
I can ahead of time and if I can find something to buy that's good, I buy
it. I finally found some good pre-made mashed potatoes that actually taste
good. Just potatoes, cream, butter, salt and pepper. Need to try to figure
out where I bought those. I'd rather have less variety, but still good food.

==

Well, she might not have enjoyed cooking, but you all never went hungry. Be
thankful for small mercies

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "Julie Bove" wrote in message news

> Memories like that are what make me try hard to keep it simple. I make
> what
> I can ahead of time and if I can find something to buy that's good, I buy
> it. I finally found some good pre-made mashed potatoes that actually taste
> good. Just potatoes, cream, butter, salt and pepper. Need to try to figure
> out where I bought those. I'd rather have less variety, but still good
> food.
>
> ==
>
> Well, she might not have enjoyed cooking, but you all never went hungry.
> Be thankful for small mercies


For sure. I'll never stop missing all the holiday times our whole family
spent together, the food was part of it, but the people were what made the
day. My mom and grandma were really great at cooking and at cooking for
crowds, everything always tasted good.

Cheri

jay wrote:

> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> > For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
> > and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
> > additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
> > include:
> >
> > Menu
> >
> > List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
> > doesn't actually have a recipe.
> >
> > List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
> >
> > Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a
> > prior day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
> >
> > I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
> > issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
> > I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
> >
> > I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
> >
> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals
> for the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from
> the local cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>
> jay

We aren't too fancy here except Don wants 'tradition' for that one
meal. It feels of home to him so I hang about the edges and make a few
sides or chop something. I think the main time he wanted help, was in
Sasebo the time they sold out of stuffing (none would be shipped in for
another 3 weeks). So, I made stuffing bread and it came out just fine
after Charlotte and I tore up the fresh loaf I made in the ABM (with
all the traditional seasonings) and dried in the oven.

"jay" > wrote in message news
> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>> include:
>>
>> Menu
>>
>> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>> doesn't actually have a recipe.
>>
>> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>>
>> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
>> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>>
>> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>>
>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>>
> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals for
> the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the local
> cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.

We got a Boston Market meal one year. It was good but we would have liked
more food.

I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy. To make matters worse, I
pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.

The turkey tasted fine. There was just far too much of it. None of us are
big turkey lovers. One meal and perhaps leftovers for another are fine.

But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
money for this meal and we all went hungry.

This year I'm going to do what I've done in years past. Get some cheap boxed
stuffing, then make it up with additional onion, carrot and celery to lessen
the carbs. I'll get some good quality sliced turkey breast with no nitrates.
Then roll the stuffing up in the slices of meat, smother in gravy and bake.
I can even assemble this the night before. I can then buy or make whatever
sides I choose. Last year I did a cheese platter. We all love cheese so that
went over well. And for whatever reason, everyone else loves crescent rolls.
I can live without those. I have also done a baked pumpkin dish that was
like a pie without a crust. I usually make two. One with pecans on top and
one without. Need to look at recipes and see if I can make this without egg.

There will likely only be four of us and we are casual diners so it will not
be a big deal.

Julie Bove wrote:
>
> We got a Boston Market meal one year. It was good but we would have liked
> more food.
>
> I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
> turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
> needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
> roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy. To make matters worse, I
> pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
> the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.

I usually buy a foil roasting pan, but you *always* put it on a
cookie sheet or more. Save from spills like you have but also
easier to remove from oven when it's hot.


> The turkey tasted fine. There was just far too much of it. None of us are
> big turkey lovers. One meal and perhaps leftovers for another are fine.

Always clear freezer space before a big holiday meal. Cooking
101.
Frozen leftovers last a long time.

> But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
> in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
> sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
> money for this meal and we all went hungry.

You claim you love to cook. WTH do you not cook the entire meal
yourself? That way you can cook just what everyone wants and
likes.

On Thu, 01 Nov 2018 10:27:59 -0500, Gary > wrote:

>Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> We got a Boston Market meal one year. It was good but we would have liked
>> more food.
>>
>> I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
>> turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
>> needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
>> roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy. To make matters worse, I
>> pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
>> the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.
>
>I usually buy a foil roasting pan, but you *always* put it on a
>cookie sheet or more. Save from spills like you have but also
>easier to remove from oven when it's hot.

Those foil pans are totally useless - and dangerous - for the longest
time now steel roasting pans with a non-stick coating have been
available for cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/casaWare-Gran...p+roasting+pan

>> The turkey tasted fine. There was just far too much of it. None of us are
>> big turkey lovers. One meal and perhaps leftovers for another are fine.
>
>Always clear freezer space before a big holiday meal. Cooking
>101.
>Frozen leftovers last a long time.
>
>> But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
>> in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
>> sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
>> money for this meal and we all went hungry.
>
>You claim you love to cook. WTH do you not cook the entire meal
>yourself? That way you can cook just what everyone wants and
>likes.

On Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>
> I usually buy a foil roasting pan, but you *always* put it on a
> cookie sheet or more. Save from spills like you have but also
> easier to remove from oven when it's hot.
>
YES!
>
> > But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
> > in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
> > sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
> > money for this meal and we all went hungry.
>
> You claim you love to cook. WTH do you not cook the entire meal
> yourself? That way you can cook just what everyone wants and
> likes.
>
It's just a claim. She might LIKE to cook but nothing ever sounds like anyone
would go back for seconds or come to her house again for a meal.

Julie Bove > wrote:
>
> "jay" > wrote in message news
>> On 10/30/18 6:42 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>>> For both Thanksgiving and Christms I always print out the following
>>> and put in a ring binder. Having that in front of me allows for
>>> additions, deletions, and miscellaneous other notes. The printouts
>>> include:
>>>
>>> Menu
>>>
>>> List of every recipe, or instructions for making something that
>>> doesn't actually have a recipe.
>>>
>>> List of ingredients for each recipe. Shopping list included.
>>>
>>> Timetable for everything that has to be made, whether it's on a prior
>>> day or time of day that anything has to be cooked.
>>>
>>> I've been doing this for years, and it has saved me from many an
>>> issue when putting everything together. The best part of it is that
>>> I don't havae to think about it. It's all there in front of me.
>>>
>>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>>>
>> You are very organized. Me not so much. Do you cook separate TG meals for
>> the two of you? May try a prepared take out turkey dinner from the local
>> cafeteria chain. Feeling kinda lazy about it all.
>
> We got a Boston Market meal one year. It was good but we would have liked
> more food.
>
> I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
> turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
> needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
> roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy. To make matters worse, I
> pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
> the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.
>
> The turkey tasted fine. There was just far too much of it. None of us are
> big turkey lovers. One meal and perhaps leftovers for another are fine.
>
> But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
> in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
> sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
> money for this meal and we all went hungry.
>
> This year I'm going to do what I've done in years past. Get some cheap boxed
> stuffing, then make it up with additional onion, carrot and celery to lessen
> the carbs. I'll get some good quality sliced turkey breast with no nitrates.
> Then roll the stuffing up in the slices of meat, smother in gravy and bake.
> I can even assemble this the night before. I can then buy or make whatever
> sides I choose. Last year I did a cheese platter. We all love cheese so that
> went over well. And for whatever reason, everyone else loves crescent rolls.
> I can live without those. I have also done a baked pumpkin dish that was
> like a pie without a crust. I usually make two. One with pecans on top and
> one without. Need to look at recipes and see if I can make this without egg.
>
> There will likely only be four of us and we are casual diners so it will not
> be a big deal.
>
>

If ever there is a next time, put the flimsy disposable roasting pan on top
of a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.

On Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 4:15:43 AM UTC-5, Ju-Ju blabbered:
>
> I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
> turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
> needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
> roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy.
>
Most normal-brained people know those foil roasting pans are flimsy, especially
with a turkey adding to the weight. Normal-brained people know to put a cookie
sheet (aka rolled edge pan) under the foil pan to give it some stability.
>
> To make matters worse, I
> pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
> the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.
>
Ding-ding-ding!!! They have these great kitchen equipment items known as
carving/cutting boards. They prevent idiots from piercing a thin foil
roasting pan with a knife. Just an fyi.
>
> The turkey tasted fine. There was just far too much of it. None of us are
> big turkey lovers. One meal and perhaps leftovers for another are fine.
>
> But the sides and the dessert? Not appealing. The potatoes had weird stuff
> in them like egg whites and soy bean oil. I wound up tossing all of the
> sides out as nobody ate any beyond the first bite. So... I paid a ton of
> money for this meal and we all went hungry.
>
Because you are too stupid to cook a small, simple meal.
>
> This year I'm going to do what I've done in years past. Get some cheap boxed
> stuffing, then make it up with additional onion, carrot and celery to lessen
> the carbs. I'll get some good quality sliced turkey breast with no nitrates.
> Then roll the stuffing up in the slices of meat, smother in gravy and bake.
> I can even assemble this the night before. I can then buy or make whatever
> sides I choose.
>
I beat nobody is knocking on your door wanting in to consume that mess.
>
> There will likely only be four of us and we are casual diners so it will not
> be a big deal.
>
You, daughter, ex-husband, and the gigolo?? Or you, daughter, gigolo and one
of his goats?

On 11/1/2018 5:12 PM, wrote:
> On Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 4:15:43 AM UTC-5, Ju-Ju blabbered:
>>
>> I mail ordered a meal one year. Was upset because it came with a whole
>> turkey and it was only supposed to be the breast. The meat was cooked but it
>> needed a reheat in the oven. I had no pan large enough. Bought a foil
>> roasting pan that turned out to be too flimsy.
>>
> Most normal-brained people know those foil roasting pans are flimsy, especially
> with a turkey adding to the weight. Normal-brained people know to put a cookie
> sheet (aka rolled edge pan) under the foil pan to give it some stability.
>>
No kidding! Common sense would tell you... oh, wait.

>> To make matters worse, I
>> pierced the pan with a knife when trying to slice it. I had a juicy mess in
>> the oven, all over the top of the stove, the floor.
>>
> Ding-ding-ding!!! They have these great kitchen equipment items known as
> carving/cutting boards. They prevent idiots from piercing a thin foil
> roasting pan with a knife. Just an fyi.

Who actually slices a turkey (or a roast, for that matter) IN THE PAN?
It needs to rest for a bit before carving. On a cutting board. Usually
tented with foil. But hey, we know she doesn't like touching meat. And
this was pre-cooked turkey, just a reheat, so I doubt there would have
been much in the way of drippings for making gravy.

(snippage)

>> This year I'm going to do what I've done in years past. Get some cheap boxed
>> stuffing, then make it up with additional onion, carrot and celery to lessen
>> the carbs. I'll get some good quality sliced turkey breast with no nitrates.
>> Then roll the stuffing up in the slices of meat, smother in gravy and bake.
>> I can even assemble this the night before. I can then buy or make whatever
>> sides I choose.
>>
> I beat nobody is knocking on your door wanting in to consume that mess.
>>
What's not to like? Cheap boxed stuffing with the addition of onion,
carrot and celery is something to look forward to! Turkey rollups.
Yeah, can't wait.

>> There will likely only be four of us and we are casual diners so it will not
>> be a big deal.
>>
> You, daughter, ex-husband, and the gigolo?? Or you, daughter, gigolo and one
> of his goats?
>
You're forgetting about the dog.

Jill