How to Rock at Planning Thanksgiving and since this is our favorite Holiday we need to get this right!
One of our favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. Lucky us, it’s right around the corner.
It’s the perfect time to gather with friends and celebrate everything that is good.
However, let’s not all pretend that Thanksgiving just happens.
It takes a lot of planning to host a successful Thanksgiving dinner.
For all my hosting friends out there, here is how to rock at planning Thanksgiving.
Check out these tips.
Table of Contents
Utilize your slow cooker
One of my favorite ways to shave time off cooking Thanksgiving dinner is using the slow cooker.
You can have something going in the slow cooker, while you utilize the stove for other dishes.
You could even use several slow cookers, there are no rules you can break when it comes to rocking the Thanksgiving cooking thing.
Prep your turkey before hand
We always use a Canadian turkey for Thanksgiving.
We also always unwrap the turkey, so it has time to dry in the fridge.
By allowing it to dry out a little longer, it helps make it extra crispy when cooking it.
Grab a Meat Thermometer
You may think that your cooking is perfect and you don’t need a cooking thermometer.
The good news is that you’re a great cook, but a meat thermometer adds that extra level of protection every turkey needs.
Take your time Planning
The best Thanksgivings are the ones have thought put into them.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time planning, just take your time planning.
Remember it’s the smallest details that matter to your guests.
I always like finding small things that make my guests feel extra special.
Serve different parts of the Turkey
Just because it’s the tradition to have a turkey at Thanksgiving, it doesn’t mean you have to serve it whole.
In fact, cooking a turkey is easier when it’s in parts.
Cooking the breasts, thighs, and drums separately can help you cook the meat better.
Nothing tastes better than a turkey that has simmered and comes out of the oven cooked evenly and deliciously.
Mushroom, Leek and Turkey Sausage Stuffing
Serves: 8 – 10 people
Prep time: 45 mins.
Cook time: 45 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. Canadian turkey sausages
- 500 gr. loaf crusty bread
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. assorted mushrooms
- 2 cups thinly sliced leeks
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 cups turkey broth
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp. each ground rosemary, sage and thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Heat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Spread out onto a baking tray and dry out bread until the cubes are toasted and crunchy, 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Remove sausage from casings. Break up into small pieces and cook in a frying pan over medium heat until cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside to cool.
- Add leeks, onions and celery to the frying pan. Cook over medium heat until onions and celery are soft and translucent and leeks begin to break down and brown, 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 5-8 minutes. Add white wine to deglaze. Once wine has evaporated, set aside to cool.
- While leeks, onions and celery are cooking, season mushrooms with salt, pepper and olive oil and bake in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 15 – 20 minutes. Let cool.
- Combine sausage, bread, leek mixture and mushrooms in a large bowl.
- Add the beaten egg to the broth and mix. Slowly pour mixture over the stuffing and mix to combine. Bread should be wet but not soaked.
- Season mixture with herbs.
- Bake in an oven-proof casserole dish at 350°F (177°C) for 45 – 60 minutes until browned and crispy.
TIP: Make sure to freeze any leftovers. For a quick breakfast, heat stuffing in a frying pan and top with fried eggs for an instant hash.
Do you want a simple way to rock Thanksgiving?
Serve Canadian turkey in your home.
You can count on Canadian turkey tasting delicious and making your holiday a hit.
No one said that hosting Thanksgiving was easy, but having a delicious turkey does make it just a tad bit easier.
You can even check out the tutorials from Canadian Turkey – they have foolproof ways for you to make this holiday a successful one.
“Disclosure: We are part of the Canadian Turkey Brand Ambassador Program and we received compensation as part of our affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are our own.”
I would love to give the MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY a try this weekend.
I would love to try the TOASTED “TUR-BANOS they look like a great way to use leftovers!!
I am choose the MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING recipe to help create our Thanksgiving tradition.
The TOASTED “TUR-BANOS” look yummy!
I am excited to try the stuffed-slow-cooked-turkey-roast-with-red-pepper-sauce. It sounds delicious for a new twist on Thanksgiving dinner. 🙂
SUNDRIED TOMATO & GREENS STUFFED TURKEY BREAST ROAST
I’d like to try the Thanksgiving Turkey with Fig and Walnut Dressing although I’d have to do a smaller portion for my daughter that has no nuts and apple instead of the figs!
turkey-lentil-frittata/ this looks so oo good
I would pick the Thanksgiving Turkey with fig & walnut dressing.
I will be making Asparagus and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Turkey Cutlets.
I would love to try the MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY.
The MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING looks like something everywhere here would like with our dinner! Thanks!
This looks so good, MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING homemade stuffing is a favorite in this house.
I would like to try the Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey.
I chhose the THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH FIG & WALNUT DRESSING recipe for our family tradition.
Can’t wait to try Spiced Thanksgiving Turkey with Turkey Chorizo Stuffing
Think I just have to try the MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING
I love turkey and turkey sandwiches afterwards are amazing but I am at a loss when there is more leftover than anticipated so this looks like the perfect solution to me! [Link deleted]
Sorry for some reason my link was deleted but I had linked to ALL-IN-ONE THANKSGIVING DINNER BOWL
Maple thyme basted roast turkey sounds delicious!
I choose THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH FIG & WALNUT DRESSING
I choose MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY
I would love the Sundried Tomato & Greens Stuffed Turkey Breast Roast!
I would love to try the stuffed-slow-cooked-turkey-roast-with-red-pepper-sauce.
I will be making the cranberry port glaze
I would like to try the maple thyme roasted turkey.
The ALL-IN-ONE THANKSGIVING DINNER BOWL looks awesome (and a great way to use up leftovers!)
I would like to try the MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING.
I’d like to try the Maple Thyme Roasted Turkey.
The MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING sounds super yummy, looking forward to trying it.
Hearty Turkey & Lentil Breakfast Bowl sounds nice!
I woud love to try the THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH FIG & WALNUT DRESSING
The Mango Cashew Turkey Curry would be amazing for turkey leftovers. Or even for thanksgiving itself. I like the leftovers best anyways.
The maple-thyme basted turkey sounds great
SPICED THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH TURKEY CHORIZO STUFFING
The Maple Thyme Basted Turkey looks great!
The turkey waldorf style salad would be a perfect starter for thanksgiving dinner!
Mushroom Leek and Turkey Stuffing sound fantastic. Going to try it.
I’ll try something different for a regular dinner, but our Thanksgiving tradition is the whole roasted turkey with dressing. Heaven help me if there’s no dressing!
My family would like the Thanksgiving Turkey with Fig and Walnut Dressing
I think the maple thyme basted turkey looks great.
I would like the Honey Mustard and Sriracha Turkey Thighs
Thank you for the great giveaway ! During Thanksgiving I’d love to follow the ROASTING A WHOLE TURKEY recipe , thank you !
The TOASTED “TUR-BANOS” look yummy!
I intend to try the Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey this week end.
Thanksgiving turkey with Fig & Walnut dressing
Maple-Thyme Basted Roast Turkey looks like it could become a tradition at my house!
[Link deleted]
I would like to try the maple thyme roasted turkey for Thanksgiving.
I would love to try the Sundried Tomato & Greens Stuffed Turkey Breast Roast!
MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING looks delicious!
I would like to try making the MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING.
that MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING sounds pretty mouth watering
We love quinoa so the Red Quinoa Stuffing with Apples and Walnuts would be an excellent recipe to try this year.
The Sundried Tomato & Greens Stuffed Turkey Breast Roast dish looks absolutely delish
To help create our family Thanksgiving tradition I am choosing the SPICED THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH TURKEY CHORIZO STUFFING recipe.
Looking forward to trying the Mushroom, Leek and Turkey Sausage Stuffing!
I would love to try the turkey-lentil-frittata!
Maple-Thyme Basted Roast Turkey is an interesting twist on turkey
ALL-IN-ONE THANKSGIVING DINNER BOWL sounds very tasty!!
The maple-thyme basted turkey would be tasty!
MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING would be a great!
I will be making the open faced turkey sandwiches using leftover turkey!
I am interested in trying SUNDRIED TOMATO AND GREENS STUFFED TURKEY BREAST ROAST.
The Cheddar Smoky Turkey & Lentil Burgers look interesting.
I want to try the TURKEY CHORIZO STUFFING
Maple tyme turkey sounds great
I think the TURKEY BIRYANI would make a great side dish for my Thanksgiving dinner
The Mushroom Leek and Turkey Sausage stuffing!
I would love to try the SUNDRIED TOMATO & GREENS STUFFED TURKEY BREAST ROAST!
I think the Mushroom, Leak & Turkey Sausage would be a great side dish to serve with Thanksgiving turkey.
I am choose the GOAT CHEESE AND RED PEPPER FRITTATA for our family Thanksgiving tradition.
MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING recipe will be perfect for dinner tonight !
I would love to have th eTurkey SAUSAGE STUFFING and Mushroom Leek it sounds very delicious
I am going to try the Turkey with fig & walnut dressing.
The Thanksgiving Turkey with Fig and Walnut dressing looks great!
I would love to incorporate the Piri Piri Grilled Turkey Drumettes into my Thanksgiving meal. I imagine it would go over fabulously with my family and friends who love spicy and robust flavours.
I really want to try the Thanksgiving turkey with fig and walnut dressing for Thanksgiving Dinner! With mashed potatoes and gravy and brussel sprouts, too 🙂 Thank you!
the mushroom leek for sure
I like the Asparagus and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Turkey Cutlets.
The Maple Thyme basted roast turkey definitely appeals to me
Toasted Turbanos are just my style
Hearty Turkey & Lentil Breakfast Bowl sounds good
Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey
I am going to try the MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING!
I love any kind of stuffing and would like to try your mushroom leek and turkey sausage stuffing.
I would love to have the GOAT CHEESE AND RED PEPPER FRITTATA for a Thanksgiving breakfast tradition
I would really like to try the Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey. It sounds so scrumptious.
The MUSHROOM, LEEK AND TURKEY SAUSAGE STUFFING looks pretty good.
The ALL-IN-ONE THANKSGIVING DINNER BOWL will be perfect to use up the leftovers.
TOASTED “TUR-BANOS look very tasty!!
I think the Maple-Thyme Basted Roast Turkey would put a Canadian flare on my traditional turkey.
We actually used the How to Deep Fry a Whole Turkey recipe yesterday. It worked out well.
I want to enjoy the MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY recipe.
The maple thyme roasted turkey looks delicious.
I am going to use the TOASTED “TUR-BANOS” recipe to help create our Thanksgiving traditions.
The Maple Thyme Basted Turkey sounds really good too!
The Turkey ‘Tur-Banos’ look delicious!
I’d like to try the THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH FIG & WALNUT DRESSING
I will make the turkey-lentil-frittata
The recipe I would like to try is the MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY.
I would like to make the THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH FIG & WALNUT DRESSING.
I would make the fig and walnut stuffing.Sounds delicious.
I would love to add the Turkey Biryani to my Thanksgiving table this year. Thanks.
I will try Turkey biryani
MAPLE-THYME BASTED ROAST TURKEY !
KICKIN CRANBERRY BBQ TURKEY FOIL PACK looks and sounds like a great recipe
I am going to use the TURKEY AND GUINNESS STEW to help create Thanksgiving traditions.
I think I will be trying the ALL-IN-ONE THANKSGIVING DINNER BOWL with my leftovers.
The Turkey Chorizo Stuffing would be an interesting twist.
Love to try the TOASTED “TUR-BANOS looks delicious !
TOASTED “TUR-BANOS” is a wonderful recipe I would be happy to taste for sure.
Asparagus and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Turkey Cutlets
Is like to try the Toasted Tur-Banos
The mushroom leek and turkey sausage stuffing! Yum! Thanks!
Smoked turkey caught my eye! My husband has a Big Green Egg and would love to try to smoke a turkey.
The all in one thanksgiving bowl looks yummy.
I like the idea of Turkey AND Lentil Breakfast Bowl.
my guys would devour the The Mango Cashew Turkey Curry!
I would choose the Thanksgiving Turkey with fig & walnut dressing for my family
I choose the Thanksgiving Turkey with fig & walnut dressing
I know my family would love the SMOKEY TURKEY & LENTIL CHILI recipe
The turkey tabanos sound like something I would enjoy and I love to try new recipes
I would like to try the GRILLED HERBES DE PROVENCE TURKEY (BEER CAN TURKEY)
Roasting a Whole turkey really is our family tradition.
Turkey dinner with the family
SMOKED TURKEY RECIPE (HOW TO SMOKE A TURKEY). It sounds so good and I love smoked turkey
I want to enjoy the SUNDRIED TOMATO & GREENS STUFFED TURKEY BREAST ROAST
I am looking forward to enjoy the HONEY MUSTARD AND SRIRACHA TURKEY THIGHS recipe.
The Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey!
This is a recipe I’d very much like to try! ASPARAGUS AND SWISS CHEESE STUFFED TURKEY CUTLETS [Link deleted]
I’d choose Grilled Herbes de Provence Turkey (Beer Can Turkey)
I’ll be making OPEN-FACED TURKEY SANDWICHES. Yum! 🙂
Asparagus and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Turkey Cutlets caught my attention.
Kickin Cranberry BBQ Turkey Foil Pack, YES please!!
would pick the Thanksgiving Turkey with fig & walnut
Maple is one of my family’s favorite flavors! I think the Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey would be just divine! Love that hint of sweetness!
I would try maple thyme roasted turkey
I am going to make the SMOKEY TURKEY & LENTIL CHILI
The TOASTED “TUR-BANOS” look really good and I know we’d like them
I would like to try the Maple Thyme Basted Roasted Turkey.
congrats to the winner