1. You will get your best deal on Turkey (Butterball unless you plan on basting a lot) and/or Ham (optional) the week before the holidays. If you want a 20 to 25 lb. Bird or Ham, get it a month in advance. (If you have ham &/or turkey in the freezer, this is the day (Thursday before Thanksgiving) you need to take it from the Freezer and put it in the refrigerator to thaw. Check the label for defrosting. 

2. Consider purchasing Reynolds Turkey size-baking bag (for ham & turkey) because it makes the meat juicier). Disposable: Aluminum Turkey Roasting Pan, Aluminum ham roasting pan, Aluminum foil, Paper Dinner Plates, Paper Bowls, Paper Desert plates, Napkins or soft paper towels, Disposable glasses, Disposable foam coffee cups, Plastic forks, knives, spoons and Plastic serving forks and spoons. (less to clean up after Dinner) , Toothpicks (If you want to impress your in-laws, use your best dishes, glasses, cups and flat ware and do not purchase what is highlighted in pink).

3. Drinks: Decaff and Caffeinated Coffee, Decaff and Caffeinated Tea, Sodas, wine

4. Vegetables (fresh): Russet potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Yellow onions, Bunching onions, Bell Pepper, Celery, Delicious Apples, Cranberries (if you have a special recipe), Small bag of Baby Carrots, fresh snap greens

5. Canned: Pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Pineapple rings, Cranberry Gel, Cream of Chicken Soup

6. Spices: Pumpkin Pie Spice, Apple Pie Spice, Sage, Salt, Black Pepper

7. Staples: all purpose flour, Corn Starch, Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar, Baking Powder, Yellow Corn Meal

8. Condiments: French Salad Dressing, Italian Salad Dressing, Ranch Style Salad Dressing, Olive Oil, Salad Supreme, Salad Toppings (unless someone is allergic to peanuts), Garlic Croutons, (If you are on a budget, no one will miss the salad so it is optional - do not get what is highlighted in pick).

9. Frozen: Corn on the Cob (optional), Vanilla Ice-cream (optional), 2-4 9 inch deep dish pie crusts

10. Dairy: Can of Whipped Cream, Milk, eggs, Real salted butter, quart of buttermilk, Tub of margarine or soft spread butter

11. Bread: Brown and Serve Rolls (splurge on a label brand – you will not regret it) – Wheat and/or White, Large loaf of white bread only if you plan to make white bread dressing. Loaf of your favorite bread (for sandwiches later)

12. Remember you’re in a long line and the traffic is heavy because God has blessed our country with jobs and plenty of food. Heavy traffic and long lines mean more folks have jobs. Light traffic and short lines mean a lot of people are out of work. Rejoice and be glad because this is the day that the Lord has made. It’s a present/gift just for you.

Holidays Made Easy

Table of Contents

TasteBud's Delight

by Frances M. McCrory-Meservy