This interview originally aired on "In the Moment" on SDPB Radio.
Tips & tricks to hosting a successful Thanksgiving meal
By Chris Madsen
It is high time to recognize Thanksgiving for what it is: An annual comfort food extravaganza.
I hope we have reached a point in our existence where we can admit Thanksgiving was not invented by the pilgrims some 400-plus years ago. As a product of 1970s-era public elementary school education in the Midwest, I learned all the popular myths passed off as the history of the holiday. Fortunately, I find that nothing strips the cloying candy-corn-flavored film of historical revisionism out of my mouth like good gravy.
Of course, I hear the gasps from the pearl-clutchers in the third row muttering, “What about being thankful for all our blessings?” Duly noted. Here’s the deal: If you are hoarding gratitude so you can have it with cranberry sauce on the good china, you’re doing gratitude all wrong. Gratitude, thankfulness, and empathy should be celebrated and shared every day without limit or exception. On the other hand, overloading yourself with turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, and gravy on a daily basis will lead to more clothing purchases and a deeper relationship with your physicians and pharmacists. That’s why we only do that once a year and that day just happens to be called Thanksgiving.
As a person who loves to cook, loves to eat, and loves to share that with others, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I like to start my Thanksgiving holiday no later than the Tuesday before the big day when I can be home alone with the dogs undertaking the cooking and preparation that will culminate in sitting down for dinner. The ritual of doing this is near and dear to me. Even though the menu is different than what my mother, aunts and grandmothers used to prepare, going through the motions and the work is a sort of communion with them. The ritual reminds me of the connections we all share, even with those who are no longer in our physical world. That is my “why” and I suppose it is a tad selfish, but it pays a dividend that my friends and family can enjoy.
The other benefit of doing this is that I can assure all of you I have made nearly every mistake possible putting big meals before guests. We do not need to get into all the mistakes, but I will share the lessons.
- Never let your expectations exceed your capabilities. If you cannot produce a decent grilled cheese sandwich, you probably should not take on Thanksgiving dinner. That is perfectly OK. There are plenty of options ranging from making reservations, getting takeout, planning potlucks, or even grilling burgers. If you are just beginning your culinary adventures, find recipes that match your skill set and comfort level. Frankly, with this meal, it is pretty hard to beat the basics.
- Attitude is everything. No complaining. If you are committed to making all or a big part of the meal, do it and enjoy yourself. I have a friend who approaches Thanksgiving dinner the same way she approaches grilling pork chops. I, on the other hand, have done my share of whining over the years. I enjoy myself much more when I don’t whine. So, I don’t.
- Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan. A couple weeks before Thanksgiving, I write out a detailed game plan. On paper. I start with when I need to make sure I have a turkey thawing and figure out when I should be purchasing things I need for the meal. The list culminates in an hour-by-hour schedule on Thanksgiving Day, which includes time for a brief break. In between, I do some cooking each day to prepare components of other dishes or things that can realistically be prepared ahead of time, like pies, cranberry sauces, or salads. Review the list to make sure you’ve covered things like setting the table, and also allowed for some leeway — just in case.
- Assuming you are not using the microwave, there is no wrong way to roast a turkey. Turkeys are not easy critters to cook. If you have landed on a method that yields the result you and your guests prefer, then THAT is the correct method. If anyone says otherwise, respectfully invite them to roast their own bird.
- Good gravy fixes almost everything. Dry turkey? Gravy. Too many political discussions at the dinner table? Gravy. Boring dressing? Gravy. Spare dinner roll? Gravy. Get yourself comfortable with gravy making. It really just involves the turkey drippings, an appropriate thickener, and some broth or stock. You can do this. And, when you get lumps in it (and we all do sometimes) grab a strainer. Whatever your method, make lots.
Finally, if you are fortunate enough to have a comforting meal on your table and someone to share it, you are very fortunate indeed. Put that gratitude to work. Do you have a friend who is new to the area or cannot be with family this year? Invite that person to join in your meal. Work a meal at The Banquet. Contribute to a food or winter clothing drive. Even gravy cannot touch the warm glow you get from sharing your good fortune with someone who can really use some.
