Curtis, Michael and Cat have whipped up the following advice and tips, bringing a touch of this year’s culinary trends to your table while keeping with tradition. Be sure to check out the official meal planner timetable and top 10 tips to create a menu that earns the Council’s seal of approval.

Top 10 Tips for a Delicious Thanksgiving

1. Be flexible to accommodate your needs and last-minute snafus, like a guest’s allergy or the selling-out of an ingredient. For example, a large dinner party doesn’t demand a 20 pound turkey – prepare a medium-sized turkey and two roasting chickens. If your supermarket is out of fresh spinach, sauté Swiss chard instead.
   
   
2. Check your cupboards. Before you head to the store, take inventory of the ingredients and cooking accessories you have on hand to minimize the shopping list and maximize your budget.
   
   
3. Use traditional cooking methods for some modern help! Reynolds^® Oven Bags are an easy, fuss-free way to prepare turkey, vegetables and even sweet potatoes without the mess or hassle of cleanup. In addition, roasting a turkey in an oven bag can reduce cooking time by up to 20 percent.
   
   
4. Always let your turkey rest outside the oven for 15 minutes before you carve; this will ensure easier carving and juicier meat.

 

5. Talk to your family members to find out if there is a favorite dish or recipe passed down from earlier generations – it’s a way to remember loved ones who can’t be present at this year’s feast.
   
   
6. Combine quality with limited quantity. Who says everything must be made from scratch? Focus on making a few dishes really well and supplement your meal with store-bought, pre-made items.

 

7. Clean as you go. With the use of Reynolds Oven Bags there won’t be as many pans to scrub, so wash bowls and plates as they’re used. This opens up space in the sink and eliminates a mountain of dishes to clean at the end of the day.
   
   
8. Spice up your table with a twist on traditional garnishes. Create exotic cranberry sauce by adding ginger for an Asian style; lime, coconut and pineapple for Caribbean; or curry for Indian.

 

9.  Encourage portion control by serving smaller desserts. Individual portions like mini pecan or pumpkin pies will give everyone just the right amount to satisfy their sweet tooth.

 

10. Thanksgiving is all about family, so serve your meal family-style on large platters. Use a variety of small, large and uniquely shaped serving platters to add a little zest to your presentation.