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?
>

I went to a dinner party at the neighbors house a few years ago, and I
came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I was quite surprised
to see she had the entire prep written up and had a scripted timeline of
when to do which step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid
off, too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.

On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
> 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?
>>
>
> I went to a dinner party at the neighbors house a few years ago, and I
> came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I was quite surprised
> to see she had the entire prep written up and had a scripted timeline of
> when to do which step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid
> off, too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.
>
Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that kind of
planning and preparation if you're having dinner guests. Cooking for
two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.

I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of cornbread
dressing on the side. Usually served with a green vegetable such as
steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll bake a small split acorn
squash to go with it. Might as well, the oven will already be on.

No need for extensive planning or timetables here.

Jill

jmcquown > wrote:
> On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>> 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?
>>>
>>
>> I went to a dinner party at the neighbors house a few years ago, and I
>> came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I was quite surprised
>> to see she had the entire prep written up and had a scripted timeline of
>> when to do which step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid
>> off, too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.
>>
> Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that kind of
> planning and preparation if you're having dinner guests. Cooking for
> two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.
>
> I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of cornbread
> dressing on the side. Usually served with a green vegetable such as
> steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll bake a small split acorn
> squash to go with it. Might as well, the oven will already be on.
>
> No need for extensive planning or timetables here.
>
> Jill
>

Cornish hen sounds good. I did those on the grill once last year with a
vadouvan spice rub. They turned out fantastic. We are planning to be in
Florida this year for Thanksgiving. I might have to think about doing
Cornish hens again, since itll just be 3 of us and we wont have time for
many leftovers.

On 10/31/2018 1:26 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
> jmcquown > wrote:
>> On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>> 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?
>>>>
>>>
>>> I went to a dinner party at the neighbors house a few years ago, and I
>>> came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I was quite surprised
>>> to see she had the entire prep written up and had a scripted timeline of
>>> when to do which step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid
>>> off, too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.
>>>
>> Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that kind of
>> planning and preparation if you're having dinner guests. Cooking for
>> two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.
>>
>> I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of cornbread
>> dressing on the side. Usually served with a green vegetable such as
>> steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll bake a small split acorn
>> squash to go with it. Might as well, the oven will already be on.
>>
>> No need for extensive planning or timetables here.
>>
>> Jill
>>
>
> Cornish hen sounds good. I did those on the grill once last year with a
> vadouvan spice rub. They turned out fantastic. We are planning to be in
> Florida this year for Thanksgiving. I might have to think about doing
> Cornish hens again, since itll just be 3 of us and we wont have time for
> many leftovers.
>
Cornish hens are definitely good on the grill. I always split them
first. Rubbed with spices is good. Also needs a little brushing with
herbed butter or oil, to crisp the skin. It's been many years since I
did that. But it was delicious!

For a small gathering like yours I'd definitely consider cornish game
hens.

Jill

On 2018-10-31 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
> Wayne Boatwright > wrote:

>> I wonder if any of this would work for anyone else?
>>
>
> I went to a dinner party at the neighbors house a few years ago, and I
> came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I was quite surprised
> to see she had the entire prep written up and had a scripted timeline of
> when to do which step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid
> off, too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.

My wife tends to get a little frazzled when preparing meals for large
groups. Our son, who managed restaurants for a few years, convinced her
of the need to write down a list with a time line. It has helped a lot.

On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 2:02:12 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>
> My wife tends to get a little frazzled when preparing meals for large
> groups. Our son, who managed restaurants for a few years, convinced her
> of the need to write down a list with a time line. It has helped a lot.
>
We all go to my sister-in-law's house 30 miles away and we all bring something.
If anyone is frazzled they have recovered by the time we're gathered for the
feast.

On 10/31/2018 8:05 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Wed 31 Oct 2018 10:57:58a, jmcquown told us...
>
>> On 10/31/2018 1:26 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>> jmcquown > wrote:
>>>> On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>>>> 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?
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I went to a dinner party at the neighbor€„¢s house a few years
>>>>> ago, and I came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen.
>>>>> I was quite surprised to see she had the entire prep written up
>>>>> and had a scripted timeline of when to do which step. I was
>>>>> impressed with her organization. It paid off, too, because the
>>>>> multi-course meal was incredible.
>>>>>
>>>> Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that
>>>> kind of planning and preparation if you're having dinner guests.
>>>> Cooking for two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.
>>>>
>>>> I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of
>>>> cornbread dressing on the side. Usually served with a green
>>>> vegetable such as steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll bake
>>>> a small split acorn squash to go with it. Might as well, the
>>>> oven will already be on.
>>>>
>>>> No need for extensive planning or timetables here.
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>>
>>>
>>> Cornish hen sounds good. I did those on the grill once last year
>>> with a vadouvan spice rub. They turned out fantastic. We are
>>> planning to be in Florida this year for Thanksgiving. I might
>>> have to think about doing Cornish hens again, since it€„¢ll just
>>> be 3 of us and we won€„¢t have time for many leftovers.
>>>
>> Cornish hens are definitely good on the grill. I always split
>> them first. Rubbed with spices is good. Also needs a little
>> brushing with herbed butter or oil, to crisp the skin. It's been
>> many years since I did that. But it was delicious!
>>
>> For a small gathering like yours I'd definitely consider cornish
>> game hens.
>>
>> Jill
>
> I love Cornish hen but I've never cooked one on the grill.
> Occasionally I will roast one stufed with dried fruits and nuts and
> gril a filet for David.
>
Split or spatchcocked on the grill. They're so small they don't take
much time at all. When I roast them whole I don't stuff them. I bake
cornbread dressing (sometimes with wild rice, never with fruit) on the side.

Jill

On 10/31/2018 8:02 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Wed 31 Oct 2018 09:30:44a, jmcquown told us...
>
>> On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>> 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?
>>>>
>>>
>>> I went to a dinner party at the neighbor€„¢s house a few years
>>> ago, and I came over a few hours early to help in the kitchen. I
>>> was quite surprised to see she had the entire prep written up and
>>> had a scripted timeline of when to do which step. I was
>>> impressed with her organization. It paid off, too, because the
>>> multi-course meal was incredible.
>>>
>> Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that
>> kind of planning and preparation if you're having dinner guests.
>> Cooking for two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.
>>
>> I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of
>> cornbread dressing on the side. Usually served with a green
>> vegetable such as steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll bake a
>> small split acorn squash to go with it. Might as well, the oven
>> will already be on.
>>
>> No need for extensive planning or timetables here.
>>
>> Jill
>
> If I were cooking just for myself that's probably what I would do.
> Howeer, even though I"m only cooking for two, I make numerous dishes
> and they all do require planning. At least I hope it keeps me sane.
> :-)
>
I hope so too!

Jill

On 10/31/2018 10:21 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Wed 31 Oct 2018 06:17:38p, jmcquown told us...
>
>> On 10/31/2018 8:05 PM, Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>>> On Wed 31 Oct 2018 10:57:58a, jmcquown told us...
>>>
>>>> On 10/31/2018 1:26 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>>>> jmcquown > wrote:
>>>>>> On 10/31/2018 12:13 PM, Jinx the Minx wrote:
>>>>>>> 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?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I went to a dinner party at the neighbor€„¢s house a few
>>>>>>> years ago, and I came over a few hours early to help in the
>>>>>>> kitchen. I was quite surprised to see she had the entire prep
>>>>>>> written up and had a scripted timeline of when to do which
>>>>>>> step. I was impressed with her organization. It paid off,
>>>>>>> too, because the multi-course meal was incredible.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sounds like a great meal, Jinx! I can see the benefit of that
>>>>>> kind of planning and preparation if you're having dinner
>>>>>> guests.
>>>>>> Cooking for two, not so much. Cooking for one, even less.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I roast a cornish game hen for Thanksgiving. I bake a pan of
>>>>>> cornbread dressing on the side. Usually served with a green
>>>>>> vegetable such as steamed broccoli. This year I think I'll
>>>>>> bake a small split acorn squash to go with it. Might as well,
>>>>>> the oven will already be on.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No need for extensive planning or timetables here.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jill
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Cornish hen sounds good. I did those on the grill once last
>>>>> year with a vadouvan spice rub. They turned out fantastic. We
>>>>> are planning to be in Florida this year for Thanksgiving. I
>>>>> might have to think about doing Cornish hens again, since
>>>>> it€„¢ll just be 3 of us and we won€„¢t have time for
>>>>> many leftovers.
>>>>>
>>>> Cornish hens are definitely good on the grill. I always split
>>>> them first. Rubbed with spices is good. Also needs a little
>>>> brushing with herbed butter or oil, to crisp the skin. It's
>>>> been many years since I did that. But it was delicious!
>>>>
>>>> For a small gathering like yours I'd definitely consider cornish
>>>> game hens.
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>
>>> I love Cornish hen but I've never cooked one on the grill.
>>> Occasionally I will roast one stufed with dried fruits and nuts
>>> and gril a filet for David.
>>>
>> Split or spatchcocked on the grill. They're so small they don't
>> take much time at all. When I roast them whole I don't stuff
>> them. I bake cornbread dressing (sometimes with wild rice, never
>> with fruit) on the side.
>>
>> Jill
>
> I might try it sometime. I'm sure you wouldn't like the stuffing.
> It's made with toasted poundcake crumbs, snipped apricots, dried
> currans, toasted pecans, butter, and a modicum of spice/herbs. The
> finishing glaze is made with apricot nectar and a good splash of
> brandy.
>
The stuffing sounds sweet. You know I'm not a big fan of sweets. I'll
take a glass of that brandy, though.

Jill