Find tips and tricks for making your stuffing turn out light and fluffy, seasoned with the rich flavor of turkey. Yum.

 

Extras:

 

Stuffing Science:  Learn all about food safety and the ins and outs of making the perfect stuffing.

 

Crockpot Apple Stuffing:  This recipe really should be called 'dressing', as it isn't cooked inside the bird. It's a wonderful way to make this recipe, and once it's made and cooking away you won't have to think about it.

 

Find recipes for traditional and super easy gravies to top off your Thanksgiving dinner.

 

 

Pan Sauces:  Gravies are basically pan sauces. Once you learn the steps needed to make the smoothest, richest sauces, your meats will never be served 'naked' again!

 

How to make a white sauce:  White sauces are the basis for many recipes. Just a few simple steps need to be followed carefully for a perfect result every time.

Thanks, Michelle, for posting these WONDERFUL tips as I was going to start in on my Let's Talk Turkey Special Edition newsletter for this week!!  You've got  in my book!!

 

Btw, this is a MUST ADD-ON to our Thanksgiving Central! (hint hint)

 

Whether you make Golden Honey Rolls, Wild Rice Bread, or just buy your rolls from the bakery, learn how to make them perfect for your special dinner.

 

 

Bread 101:  Learn what all the ingredients inside bread actually do when they are working and baking together.

 

Doneness Tests:  When is it done? Learn the tips and tricks to know when your baked goods are perfectly done.

 

Step by Step Yeast Bread:  There are two main ways to make yeast bread: by proofing the yeast, and a one-bowl mixing method which combines the yeast with flour. And then there are batter breads, the simplest of all.

 

These delicious recipes are all foolproof. Whether you choose traditional mashed potatoes or a super simple crockpot variety, serve the best side dish ever.

 

 

Potato Science:  There are many different types of potatoes, and each has a best cooking method. Everybody loves potatoes; from french fries to twice-baked, Americans eat pounds of potatoes every year.

 

How to Read a Cooking Recipe:  There is an old adage that says "if you can read you can cook." That's only true after you've had a little experience! Cooking terms can be confusing, and most cookbooks aren't as detailed as many beginning cooks would like. Learn all about reading a cooking recipe here.

 

Get great recipes for some classic and updated Thanksgiving side dishes.  Thanksgiving side dishes help round out the meal. From cranberry sauce to vegetable casseroles to sweet potatoes, there are traditional favorites as well as easy recipes. Most side dishes are easy, and lots are make-ahead.

 

 

How to Cook Side Dishes Email Course:  Side dishes can sometimes make the meal, especially at the holidays. Do you know the best way to cook rice, how to make the fluffiest mashed potatoes, and why roasting vegetables brings out their sweetest flavor? Sign up for these email classes and learn all about dishes served on the side.

 

 

Salads are definitely secondary in most Thanksgiving menus. But they can provide a welcome contrast in the taste and texture of the dinner.  This list of fabulous side dish salads are traditional for Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy.

 

 

How to Use Gelatin:  There are a few tricks to learn when using gelatin to make molded salads or desserts, but they are simple and easy. Make perfect gelatin creations with these easy steps.

 

Fruits and Veggies Preparation Guide:  So do you know how to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables? Did you know that you should wash a cantaloupe before you slice it? Or that there are two kinds of peaches, and only one kind you should buy to serve fresh? This list of some popular fruits and vegetables will give you tips about buying, storing, and preparing them so you can easily add them to your daily diet.

 

Pumpkin pie is the traditional dessert for Thanksgiving dinner. Learn how to make this rich and creamy dessert, or try a variation if you're feeling adventurous.  Fresh or canned? I personally use canned solid pack pumpkin when making a pumpkin pie, but if you're feeling very tradtional, start with a fresh pumpkin! And don't forget to save the Pumpkin Seeds!

 

 

Step by Step: Hot Water Pastry:  Making pie crust is one of the biggest challenges a baker or cook tackles. There are all kinds of rules about making pie crusts; this recipe breaks those rules. I think that that is the reason this recipe is good for a beginning cook; you don't have to worry about keeping the dough cold, about just the right amount of mixing, and adding the right amount of liquid.

 

More Pie Crust Recipes:  Cookie Pie Crust and Nut Cookie Pie Crust are super simple variations that will work perfectly with any pumpkin filling. Or try a gingersnap crust to add more flavor to this traditional pie.

 

Dessert Pies:  Any of the pies in this large collection are perfect for a special dessert.

 

 

 

There are many desserts to serve on Thanksgiving other than pumpkin pie. Bake pecan pie, other fruit pies like apple or raisin, serve cake, puddings, cobblers or crisps, or something lighter like an extragavant serving dish full of fresh fruit.  Make ahead desserts are really necessary for this big dinner. After everyone has eaten the main meal, you do not want to go back into the kitchen, except to slice up or dish up the dessert!

 

 

Thanksgiving Leftovers:  Now that you have all this good food in the house, get some simple and delicious recipes to use them in creative ways.  And also visit The Leftover Lounge, where you'll find some of my recipes too!