It’s so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! Where has the time gone? We’re having a quiet Thanksgiving at home, but If you’re wondering how to do Thanksgiving, read on for some helpful tips and recipes. You’ll end up with a complete Thanksgiving day meal that will leave everyone with a smile on their face!

Since we’re making Thanksgiving dinner I thought I would prepare for what’s needed at the grocery store, and what I’ll be making when. I bought a turkey breast vs. a turkey and since we both prefer cold turkey I’m going to make it the day before Thanksgiving.

Other prep includes sautéing the onions/celery for the stuffing and browning the sausage,

I’m also going to throw together the bean salad…

So on Thanksgiving, I’m just making a pie and throwing the stuffing together to bake in a casserole dish – and whip up some gravy. #tada

Roasted Turkey Breast 

All of the good turkey taste with much less clean up and all the delicious flavor and leftovers for sandwiches. Win – Win! (Click orange link for recipe)…

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Most of you have made mashed potatoes before, but if you haven’t this is how I make them (a guide and not really a recipe): Peel enough potatoes to feed the number of people in your party (plus extra for leftovers if you like). Then dice into 1-2″ cubes (roughly) – the smaller they are diced the shorter the cook time. Boil water in a large pot. Add cut up potatoes. Cook until you can pierce with fork easily (you don’t want them to fall apart). Drain potatoes and put back in hot pot. Add milk or cream and use a potato masher. Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter and salt and pepper. I don’t add a lot of anything, because it’s something that can be added on top – so everyone can personalize their potatoes the way they like them. Can leave on the stove with burner off and lid on while you make gravy.

Gravy

I pour the drippings from the turkey into a gravy separator – it releases liquid from the bottom leaving the fat in the separator. Then add to a large skillet (you can add a few tablespoons of fat drippings if you like) and the good juice. Turn the burner on, medium high, until it starts to bubble. Mix a small cup with water (I use about 1/4 – 1/2 cup) and a few tablespoons of cornstarch. Some use flour, I think cornstarch makes it silkier without lumps. Stir it together and add it to the bubbly mix in the skillet. Stir on medium low until it thickens. Add more if you need to. Add salt and pepper. OR just Google “How to make mashed potatoes and gravy” and peruse the recipes that appear, there are many!

Dressing (or Stuffing if it’s stuffed in the bird, which this is not) – this is an amazing dressing that my parents make.

Mom & Dad’s Turkey Dressing (5⭐️) – 2 versions

HOMEMADE

• 3/4 pound Bob Evans pork sausage (or Jimmy Dean)
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 loaves bread, crusts removed, set out to dry overnight
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 loaves white bread – set out to dry
• sprinkle of sage
• chicken broth or water

Set bread out overnight (to dry), next day tear into pieces in large bowl (omit this step if using the stuffing mix). You can fry the sausage the night before and refrigerate, you can also cut up the celery and onions and refrigerate overnight to make Thanksgiving prep quick and easy!

The day you’re going to make it, heat the celery, onion and spices (if using) in a pan with a few cups of chicken broth or water. Simmer and then let cool before adding to the dried bread bowl.

Mix up eggs and add – moisten.

Bake in a buttered casserole dish for 1 hour (COVERED) and approximately 30 minutes uncovered. More if moist, less if dry…

HOMEADISH (PEPPERIDGE FARM STUFFING), which is what I use…

• 1 – 12 oz package Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned CUBED Stuffing/Dressing
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup (about 2 stalks celery), diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 eggs

Follow directions on package, but add some Jimmy Dean sausage (I use 1/2 of a package) when sautéing the celery/onion).

Spoon into 2 qt casserole (buttered), cover and bake 35 minutes.

You won’t believe how good this is!

SCANDINAVIAN BEAN SALAD

Click the link above (in orange) to access this recipe. It couldn’t be easier. I make it the day before which helps so much. This is a tasty addition to Thanksgiving dinner and so much more! It’s such a nice compliment to the turkey!

Grandma’s Chocolate Pie Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And… last but not least, a recipe I’ve shared on my blog several times. It’s a secret family recipe, my Grandma’s Chocolate Pie. Out of this world good. Stunning, actually. Click the link (recipe title) above to access this recipe. My favorite, and one we will absolutely be having on Thursday!

🦃 May the force be with each of us as we prepare for this week #wink…