Reply to Help! Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, where to start, and... I cannot cook!

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[quote=Anonymous]Easy and delcious recipe. Takes about 2 hours.  I always get the DC/DHs to help me.
24 hours before. I get a fresh turkey, DH washes the turkey and removes the giblets, ect. Brine it in the bag, in a large pot with 1/2 of the brine mix (too salty for us otherwise. No need to cook the brine) Just follow the directions. I love stuffing, but not so much in the turkey. Inside the turkey I put an apple, and onion and a lemon cut into quarters. This steams the turkey from the inside. ( You don't eat these, discard) You can splash some bourbon in there if you like. I get 12-16 lb or so. I don't need a huge turkey and leftovers. Smaller are easier to cook. The turkey is done when you push a knife under the leg and juice is not pink.
If you have an oven with a set-timer, I put the turkey in the oven the night before and set the oven to start at 6AM, 375F, or what ever time to equal being finished about 1-2 hours before the meal. 
I agree with PP about the gravy. The kids like the store gravy more, too.
Green beans:  microwave bagged.
Stuffing is the most time consuming, because it has the most ingredients, but basically brown onions, celery, Cook bacon separately and add. Mix in your favorites: nuts, cranberries, apple pieces and so on. Toss everything together and put into a baking dish with a cover or cover with foil. Add water or stock and cook in oven according to the directions on the stuffing (30 mins). Store purchased stuffing is fine. Doing the stuffing separately is sanity saving for me, and there is more of it.
Salad: You can buy it, or chop your own.
Mashed potatoes: Cook the potatoes and drain the until they not wet. add butter, cream or milk, and/or sour cream. Depends on your calorie count.
Dessert: I buy a gourmet pie. Sometimes make whipped cream b/c the kids and helpers love to make it. Or ice cream.
This is basic but easy. As my DCs got older, they love to help, and now they are very good helpers and cooks.
For Thanksgiving, I do cut corners and buy things that I would otherwise make. Time management.
Assign chores to your guests who love to help. Arrange decorations, set table, toss salad. Pour wine. Taste things. Mash the potatoes. Play with the toddler.
Now looking forward to Thanksgiving. Enjoy your cooking!
PS Things are very fresh in the stores right before Thanksgving.[/quote]

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