Don't let this be you!
I don’t have a turkey. What do I do?
So you forgot to order a turkey ahead of time? Relax. Exhale. Take deep breaths and understand that Thanksgiving is not ruined forever. It turns out turkey parts taste just as good as an entire roast turkey — and it’s a lot cheaper. You’ll be able to find a boneless turkey breast, or at the very least, some bone-in drumsticks and breasts.
Cornish game hens are a good alternative. Or you could convince your guests that ham is the new turkey. Or sport for a vegetarian Thanksgiving. The key is to make everything look intentional, like you’ve planned this new, alternative menu days in advance.
I don’t have time to make pumpkin pie!
You don’t have to make a pumpkin pie from scratch. Get a pre-made crust, some pumpkin filling, some cinnamon to spice it up, and you’re good to go. Or if you’re running really behind, try and snatch up a store-bought pumpkin pie if there are any left.
I haven’t thought about the menu!
No worries, the internet is so good for finding quick recipes. In particular, the San Francisco Chronicle released this great guide with an entire last-minute Thanksgiving menu.
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Wow, thanks for the great tips. I'm not that great of a cook, and I'll take any tips to save time.
No, I think I would go crazy if I had to do it at the last minute. I'd opt for going out to dinner instead!
You can if you try. hurry get a already cooked turkey and microwave mashed potatoes with a pumpkin pie already made. there you have it.
No turkey for us this year. We're having a prime rib roast. It's going to be delicious!!!
If you can find a fresh turkey, you can still put together your traditional dinner. I don't know how last minute you're talking about here, but for the last few years I've gotten up at 5AM and had the entire dinner cooked by noon with the exception of the pies, which cook while we eat.
I'm all about that! I only made two things the day before this year and had our dinner done in 3 hours!!
Why cook a turkey? what about a spaghetti and sauce meal with homemade biscuits. Thanksgiving isn’t about the big turkey dinner that everyone seems to think it is, it’s about family time. or at least to me it is.
But if meat is called for, then throw some chicken in the oven with potatoes for baked potatoes, throw some squash on the stove and peel some carrots or have corn. There u have a quick easy thanksgiving meal. As for dessert. Use whatever you have. Ice cream with sauce or even cookies. Or throw in a quick cake or apple crisp to cook while you are eating your main meal if it’s a huge rush.
We're having a precooked chicken and then I'm baking a bunch of different sides.
Last year my father had been given six months to live and we raced down to spend a Thanksgiving with him. We ordered a meal from Safeway and were very surprised to find ou how good it was. It isn't the food. It's the company, your attitude about it all, that's what matters. If I hadn't got that dinner I would have thrown together anything because it was about being with my dad. And as for him…he is still here. Score 1 Dad…0 Doctors.
Yep! I am a commado cook. Give me any situation and I can handle it.
Sometimes I cheat and buy a frozen pie. Normally I make everything from scratch. No way could I do it last minute.
No turkey for us this year.. so… thanks!
There are a lot places to purchase a whole cooked turkey today, complete with trimmings if you want.
Well, if you have at least 2 days notice, you can order an entire take-out family-style Thanksgiving meal from Cracker Barrel for $50. We've done this the last several years, and it's been wonderful. The food is great, and feeds seven of us with plenty of leftovers. I don't think I could buy the ingredients at the grocery store for that price. Of course, we spent a little more than the $50, adding an extra pie (chocolate pecan!) and their awesome sweet potato casserole. It's still a family event, just a lot less stress and mess!
If you're talking 2-days-notice "last minute", easy peasy! If you're talking 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and the hostess came down with the flu, it would be more difficult, but do-able. Of course, we might have one of those odd Thanksgiving dinners with bologna sandwiches replacing the turkey.
We don't eat meat, so of course it's a little easier to just bake a fake Quorn roast (fake turkey). We do have a great system, though, and are able to make everything the evening before Thanksgiving and Christmas. My husband makes the things he loves from his family growing up and I make mine. I think as long as you make some special things you really like, you don't have to have the "typical" Thanksgiving meal items.
I think people are way too gung ho about making everything themselve! Seriously folks, store bought tastes better most of the time so take a short cut if you need one and have a breather! Personally, I think Costco's Pumpkin pies beat any homemade one and instant potatoes rock my world! It's not about how long you take to make it but how good it tastes
Yes, i've done it before so it's no problem for me.
We have purchaced a boneless turkey breast this year. It's so much easier to prepare and there is less waste.
My family likes the same old boring stuff, so it's really not that hard – I've actually considered saving my shopping list to use for next year!
I had a last minute thanksgiving, a 21 pound bird that I had to cook for my elderly grandmother, and my pregnant wife, slowly collected what I needed, managed to substitute olive oil for butter when needed, and ended up with a beautiful bird, quick stove made stuffing, told family about our expecting of a baby, overall… went really good for a "Last-Minute Thanksgiving." PS- This was my first Thanksgiving meal, or at least all by myself.
You can do anything you put your mind to, just have to focus and ask for help if needed!!
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