Thanksgiving Dinner Kitchen Tips

Today’s post offers a cornucopia of Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips to lend a helping hand with the 3 P’s – plan, prep, and plate a delicious and successful Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving-holiday-table-set

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips and answers.

new-and-antique-copper-cookware

Thomas O’Brien – Luxe Interiors+Design- Photo by Francesco Lagnese

Holiday tradition proves there’s soon to be something cooking in the holiday kitchen.

Things can get mighty hectic in the holiday kitchen, and a cook is only as good as the kitchen gadgets, tools, and accessories he or she uses.

Let’s show and tell Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips.

essentials-graphic-1

Timesaving kitchen essentials making the plan-prep-cook-bake-serve process easier on the cook qualify as the consummate ingredient to a successful holiday meal.

oak-and-glass-double-kitchen-pantry-doors

AKB Design

Well-stocked and organized holiday pantries becomes the star of the kitchen show everyday of the week, especially at holiday hosting time.

baking-flour

Nik on Unsplash

fall-spices-McCormick

kitchen conversion chartShanty-2-Chic

fall-jellies-syrups-preserves

Seasonal vegetables, baked goods, and meats glazed, infused, and enriched by the addition of jams, jellies, syrups, marmalades, spices and seasonings combinations put a delicious twist on the traditional.

Homemade Poultry Seasoning

Ingredients

4 teaspoons ground sage

3 teaspoons ground thyme

2 teaspoons ground rosemary

1 teaspoon ground marjoram

1 teaspoon white pepper

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Combine all ingredients together.  Store in a tightly sealed container.

Herbes de Provence

Ingredients

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

2 tablespoons dried rosemary

¼ cup dried thyme

3 tablespoons dried marjoram

3 tablespoons dried summer savory, optional

1 tablespoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried chervil, optional

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon dried lavender, optional

Directions

Grind the fennel seeds and rosemary in a spice grinder. Pour into a mixing bowl.  Stir in the remaining herbs.

Store in a tightly sealed container.

Creole-spices

Creole-Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients

  cup paprika

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon granulated onion

4 teaspoons dried thyme

4 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions

In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic.  Stir to combine.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.

spices-fall-baking-cooking

Seasoning Swaps

Allspice  – cinnamon; dash of nutmeg; dash of cloves

Cardamom – ginger

Cloves – allspice; cinnamon; nutmeg

Cinnamon – nutmeg; allspice (use only ¼ the amount)

Ginger – allspice; cinnamon; nutmeg

Nutmeg – cinnamon; ginger

Rosemary –  thyme; tarragon; savory

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap - Acorn Spice

Aroma therapy sous chefs.

holiday in the kitchen tip

Choose dishes and recipes you’ve met and mastered to prevent a cooking-baking meltdown.

If your dying to try that new dish you saw in a cookbook, on social media, or on a cooking show prepare it for practice a week or so out from Thanksgiving dinner day in order to get the hang of it.

Lodge 7 Quart Oval Dutch Oven - Oyster WhiteLodge 7 Quart Oval Dutch Oven – Oyster White

Cuisinart Caskata 5 Qt. Round Covered Casserole

Cuisinart Caskata 5 Qt. Round Covered Casserole

Pots, pans, Dutch ovens, and cocottes with high performance cook and serve capability add a kick to your kitchen style.

Lodge 5 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch OvenLodge 5 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

holiday in the kitchen tip

Take inventory of the dishes to be cooked on Thanksgiving day, taking note of the total prep to stove to oven to table time involved.

Thyme & Table Nonstick Supreme Cookware, 12-Piece Set, Cream

Thyme & Table Nonstick Supreme Cookware, 12-Piece Set, Cream

If you’ve been entertaining the thought of purchasing new cookware, I can’t think of a better time than preparing Thanksgiving dinner to do so.

Bobby Flay Ceramic Non-Stick 13-pc. Cookware Set

Bobby Flay Ceramic Non-Stick 13-pc. Cookware Set

Cooks 30-pc Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware Set

Cooks 30-pc Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware Set

Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Piece Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware Set

Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Piece Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware Set

Anolon Advanced Home Hard Anodized 2-pc. Dutch Oven

Anolon Advanced Home Hard Anodized 2-pc. Dutch Oven

Mesa Mia Cast Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven with Lid

Mesa Mia Cast Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven with Lid

Kitchen Details Pro Series 1 Piece Deep Roasting Pan with Diamond Base, Carbon Steel

Kitchen Details Pro Series 1 Piece Deep Roasting Pan with Diamond Base

Gibson Home Radiance 17.5 Inch Stainless Steel Copper Plated Oval Roaster

Gibson Home Radiance 17.5 Inch Stainless Steel Copper Plated Oval Roaster

Theme cookware= holidays in the kitchen.

Iron Works Enameled Cast Iron 4-Qt Pumpkin Dutch Oven

Iron Works Enameled Cast Iron 4-Qt Pumpkin Dutch Oven

Best-Choice-Products-6-Quart-Enamel-Cast-Iron-Dutch-Oven-Heavy-Duty-Cookware-w-Dual-Handles-Lid-Sage-Green

Best Choice Products 6 Quart Enamel Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

Sage green is a lovely color to accent both Thanksgiving and Christmastime in the kitchen.

The Lakeside Collection Pine Cone Kitchen Collection - Baker

The Lakeside Collection Pine Cone Kitchen Collection – Baker

Temp-tations Floral Lace Set of (2) 9x13 Baker w Upswept Handles

Temp-tations Floral Lace Set of (2) 9×13 Baker w Upswept Handles

Allow ten extra minutes per recipe to help rule out any issues.

Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan Set

Indoor/Outdoor Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan Set 

skillet cornbread

I ♥ this turkey scene cast iron skillet!

You know me and my fondness for working with a theme.

LODGE-cast-iron-skillet-turkey-bottom

Lodge Wildlife Series Turkey Scene, Seasoned 13.25″ Cast Iron Skillet

Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook 2nd Edition

Hint for cleaning cast iron skillet(s):

In most cases I use a couple of wet paper towels to wipe out the inside of the skillet.  If that method doesn’t get the job done sprinkle the inside of skillet with kosher salt. Gently move the salt around with a spatula until any stuck on gunk is lifted. Wipe out the salt with a clean damp paper towel.

Dry your cast iron immediately by placing on stove burner or in oven to dry skillet evenly from the inside out.

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer, White Icing by Drew Barrymore

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer, White Icing by Drew Barrymore

Instant Pot® 10Qt Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

Instant Pot® 10Qt Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

Presto electric knife sharpener

Presto® Ever Sharp® Sapphirite™ 2-Stage Electric Knife Sharpener

Cuisinart Matte Black 12-Pc. Cutlery Set

Cuisinart Matte Black 12-Pc. Cutlery Set

Celebrate Together™ Fall Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Celebrate Together™ Fall Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Resin-Grand-Harvest-Turkey

Pioneer Woman Harper Kitchen Island with Drawers, Homestead Brown

Pioneer Woman Harper Kitchen Island with Drawers, Homestead Brown

CAROTE-12-Pieces-Kitchen-Knife-Set-Stainless-Steel-Knife-Set-With-Nonstick-Creamic-Coating-Dishwasher-Safe-with-6-Blade-Guards-Anti-Rust

CAROTE 12 Pcs Kitchen Knife Set with Paring Knife

Savannah Black Kitchen Cart with Stainless Top

Savannah Black Kitchen Cart with Stainless Top

cream-mason-cash-mixing-bowls

Mason Cash Mixing Bowls

mixing-bowls-hobnailTabletops Gallery Hobnail 4-pc. Mixing Bowl Set

whipped-pudding

5-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

5-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

Aluminum Bundt PanAluminum Bundt Pan

Nordic-Ware-12-Cup-Formed-Nonstick-Aluminum-Classic-Bundt-Pan-Rose-Gold

Nordic Ware 12 Cup Formed Nonstick Aluminum Classic Bundt Pan, Rose Gold

Nordic-Ware-Sunflower-and-Pumpkin-Loaf-Pan

Nordic Ware Sunflower and Pumpkin Loaf Pan

Nordic Ware Wheat & Pumpkin Pan

Nordic Ware Wheat and Pumpkin Loaf Pan

autumn_wreath_bronze (1)

Nordic Ware Autumn Wreath Bundt® Pan

Thyme-Table-Non-Stick-Loaf-Pan-with-Handled-Stainless-Steel-Trivet-for-Serving

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Loaf Pan with Handled Stainless Steel Trivet 

Mainstays-6-8-10-Round-Nonstick-Carbon-Steel-Springform-Cake-Pans-Gray-Set-of-3

Mainstays, 6″, 8″, 10″ Round Nonstick Springform Cake Pans, Gray, Set of 3

apple-pie-filling-spice-dusted

“Autumn skies and apple pies.”

— Unknown

 Marble Board

Mason Cash | S12 Fox Embossed Mixing Bowl – 4.25 Quart
The Pioneer Woman Olive Wood 19.5-Inch Rolling Pin
Marble Board

Core Kitchen Black PolypropyleneStainless Steel Grater

Core Kitchen Black Polypropylene Stainless Steel Grater

Johnny-Apple-Peeler-Cast-Iron-Suction-Base-Red

Johnny Apple Peeler, Cast Iron, Suction Base, Red

10 Round Stoneware Apple Pie Baking Dish Red - John Derian for Target

10″ Round Stoneware Apple Pie Baking Dish Red – John Derian for Target

Matte White Ceramic Pumpkin Shaped Deep Pie Dish with Lid

Matte White Ceramic Pumpkin Shaped Deep Pie Dish with Lid

stoneware-pie-dish-set

Williams Sonoma Stoneware Pie Dish, Set of 3

Wilton Bake It Better Non-Stick Baking Pan Set, 3-PieceWilton Bake It Better Non-Stick Baking Pan Set, 3-Piece

holiday in the kitchen tip

Mashed potatoes will stay warm for an hour or so in a slow cooker set to low.

Starfrit Rotato Express Electric PeelerStarfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler

bella 6qt Programmable Slow Cooker

bella 6qt Programmable Slow Cooker

♫ I can mash potato, I can mash potato ♫

Pumpkin Leaf Turkey Platter and Gravy Boat Set, Embossed Pumpkin Fall Harvest

Pumpkin Leaf Turkey Platter and Gravy Boat Set, Pumpkin Fall Harvest

turkey-shaped-gravy-boat-white

Now, let’s talk gravy.

If you slightly scorch the gravy, don’t panic.

Add 1 teaspoon of smooth peanut butter until the burnt flavor is gone. You may need to add more peanut butter.  Do so 1 teaspoon at a time.

Tasteless gravy happens.

Remedy by adding a chicken bouillon cube, caramelized onions, and/or a splash of wine, and a generous pour of heavy cream to liven up the taste of an otherwise bland gravy.

Simmer the gravy for 25-30 minutes, allowing the added flavors to incorporate and season.

Greyish-Blue Transferware Gravy Boat

Greasy gravy is nasty gravy.

Begin with a mixture of ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water.  If gravy remains too greasy add another ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water.

If your gravy comes out too thin here’s a remedy to thicken it up.

Heat one cup of turkey or chicken broth (fresh or canned) until it reaches a simmer.

kerr-mason-jar

Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one to two tablespoons of cold water in a small lidded jar.  Shake to mix, making sure cornstarch incorporates and there is no lumps.

stainless-steel-balloon-whisk

Slowly whisk the cornstarch/water mixture into the simmering broth, whisking continuously to eliminate lumping.

Simmer the broth until it thickens; about 2 minutes.

Add thickened broth to gravy.

gravy-recipe

Tried, true, and my new traditional holiday gravy recipe is easy and delicious.

In a large skillet, melt ½ stick of butter.  Over medium-high heat, sauté pearl onions (if from a jar, drain) and chopped garlic until translucent and tender.

Pearl onions make a lovely presentation, but if you don’t like or can’t find these little bites of deliciousness, peel and chop a medium onion and go with it.

thanksgiving-kitchen-information

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Food Chopper, Metallic Red

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Food Chopper, Metallic Red

Add 2 jars of roasted turkey gravy from a jar.  Stir ingredients together, reduce heat to medium.

Hamilton Beach 2 Speed Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopping Bowl

Hamilton Beach 2 Speed Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopping Bowl

Next, add 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence; stir and reduce heat to simmer.  Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Aladdin Heritage Vacuum Bottle 24oz, Plaid

Use a vacuum bottle (Thermos) to keep the gravy warm and free up another stove burner. 

holiday in the kitchen tip

Cut up vegetables such as green onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and root vegetables ahead of time and store in the refrigerator in air tight containers. 

cutting-boards-stacked

House & Garden- Photo by Andrew Montgomery

Balboa-Park-Roasted-Oak-Server

Balboa Park ‘Roasted Oak’ Finished Server

winter-root-vegetables

Photo by Nick Fewings

Classic-Rolling-Black-Solid-Oak-Wood-Tabletop-57-in-Kitchen-Island-with-Drawers-and-Wheels

Classic Rolling Black Solid Oak Wood Tabletop 57 in. Kitchen Island 

KitchenAid ® 13-Cup White Food Processor

KitchenAid ® 13-Cup White Food Processor

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Coated High Carbon Stainlless Steel Carbone Chef's Knives, 3 Piece Set

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Coated High Carbon Stainless Steel Carbone Chef’s Knives, 3 Piece Set

Frank-Sinatra-carving-turkey

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

berghoff-antigua-2pc-carving-set-knife-and-fork

BergHOFF Antigua 2Pc Carving Set: Knife and Fork

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

Reversible End-Grain Acacia Cutting Board

17″ Reversible End-Grain Acacia Cutting Board

Farberware 12 Inch by 18 Inch Hardwood Drip Trench Cutting BoardFarberware Hardwood Cutting Board

in-the-kitchen-graphic

Lock & Lock canisters are my go-to storage containers to store sweet potato puree to cornbread to chocolate walnut fudge.

Lock-Lock-4-piece-Tall-Canister-Storage-Set (1)

Lock & Lock 4 piece Tall Canister Storage Set

Modern Chef 12-Piece Glass Bowl Set

Modern Chef 12-Piece Glass Bowl Set

glass-food-storage-containers-with-lids

Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 4 with Lids 

Anchor Hocking Glass Baking Dish Set, 7 Piece Glass Bakeware Set

Anchor Hocking Glass Baking Dish Set, 7 Piece Glass Bakeware Set

Here’s hoping these Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips offer the information and source suggestions needed to ensure total Thanksgiving dinner success.

Darleen-signature-love

Summer Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Heating up the kitchen with one of these summer kitchen cabinet colors keeps with the warm kitchen trend.

fan-deck-SW

Sherwin-Williams Nacre SW 6154 offers a warm neutral; a color cadence that finds the rhythm of tones perfect for exterior and interior paint jobs.

SW-Nacre-paint-sample

white-kitchen-cabinets-Hannah-Sutter-Interiors

Hannah Sutter Interiors

Noting the popularity of the white kitchen is not fading trend, I also realize thoughtful kitchen design takes into consideration kitchen cabinet colors that really cook.

maine-summer-house-butlers-pantry

Veranda – Photography by Erin Little

Creamy White Flat Low Odor Interior Paint & Primer

Creamy White Flat Low Odor Interior Paint & Primer by Behr

Striking as a white kitchen is when it is done right, painted cabinet doors and drawer fronts in show your true colors color can be the stars of the kitchen design show.

white-green-kitchen-colors

House Beautiful – Elliott Interiors-Photography by Jane Beiles

Pendants in your choice of in the style of as seen above.

 3 Light Vibrant Gold and Green Pendant

Xavier 3 Light Vibrant Gold and Green Pendant

Hudson Valley Lighting Painted No.1 3 Light 18″ Wide Pendant

Lately it seems the editors and contributors to interior design and decorating magazines have fallen in love all over again with interiors brought to you by the taste and treatments of filmmaker Nancy Meyers.

white-kitchen-cabinets-black-countertops

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – Photography by Emily Followill

Of course they have; her taste is timeless.

White kitchen cabinets paired to black countertops- again, timeless.

green-and-blue-kitchen

Country Living Magazine

Jamestown Blue HC-148 - Benjamin Moore

Jamestown Blue HC-148 – Benjamin Moore

Different paint strokes for different folks.

summer-green-kitchen-cabinet-color

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Alison Gootee

Treron No.292 - Farrow & Ball

Treron No.292 – Farrow & Ball

Experimental color pairings come and go in the world of interiors and exteriors, but classic color choices trump trend and time.

keenan-los-angeles-house-tour-kitchen

Veranda Magazine – Photography by David Tsay

Although not exactly a kitchen, look how the green stands out and picks up the green pigment in the distressed bar.

green-cabinets-home-bar

Johnson Vann Interiors

options-graphic

gold-antique-gold-leaf-chandelier-pendant

Varaluz Banana Leaf 9-light Chandelier

Eden 4-light Hanging Pendant

pink-coral-white-sea-shells-accents

To know me is to know I live in shades of pink.

Dusty.

Deep.

Delightful!

coral-pink-shaker-cabinets

Livingetc – Photography by Michael Clifford

Shades of coral for the summer kitchen cabinet colors win!

coral-blush-Glidden

Coral Blush PPG1191-4 by Glidden

pink Tudor kitchen

Copper Sky Design + Remodel

How gorgeous is this gold range hood?

sherwin-williams-pressed-flower

SW 6304  Pressed Flower by Sherwin-Williams

That’s the beauty of well-appointed accents in color choices that not only complement but contrast.

butter-yellow-kitchen-cabinets

Establish Design

Farrow-Ball- Pale-Hound-paint

No. 71 Pale Hound by Farrow & Ball

corn-pitcher-on-kitchen-countertop

House & Garden Magazine – Photography by Chris Horwood

In the style of summer in the garden decor accents bring the season home.

Vintage Figi Yellow Corn Pitcher Carafe~ 10.5” Tall

Vintage Figi Yellow Corn Pitcher Carafe~ 10.5” Tall

Lily-of-the-Valley-linen-napkins

Lily of the Valley Napkins

powder-blue-kitchen-cabinets

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Amy Neunsinger

Summer Blue 2067-50 Benjamin Moore

Summer Blue 2067-50 – Benjamin Moore

Palermo-carolina-irving-textiles

Palermo by Carolina Irving Textiles

Natick Bar Stool - Set of 2

Natick Bar Stool – Set of 2

Talk about fresh decorative accents!

colorful-vegetables

summer-gathering-baskets

Round Woven Basket with Handles
Creative Co-Op Hand-Woven Rattan Basket with Handle, Natural

options-graphic

Paint grade cabinet door and drawer front materials put durability and affordability at the top of the “let’s give this experimenting with kitchen cabinet color combinations thing a try” list.

sherwin-williams-silver-strand

Coming back to the classic color combinations conversation…

Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand, inspired by the French countryside, falls into the light, gray-green paint color category.

kitchen-cabinet-colors-brass-marble-accents

Cabinet color choices usually complement the overall palette choice, or at the very least the accents and accessories.

Additionally, take the statement a step further with decorative cabinet and drawer hardware- the jewelry of cabinetry.

red-kitchen-cabinets

Anne Wagoner Interiors

Heritage-Red-HC-181-Benjamin-Moore

Heritage Red HC-181 – Benjamin Moore

Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of cabinetry.

tomato-shaped-cabinet-knob

Fiori 1.5″ Length Novelty Knob

poster print of a vintage Burpee Annual Catalog cover

Poster Print of Vintage Burpee Annual Catalog Cover

Summer kitchen cabinet colors may just color you impressed leading to an inspired kitchen redo summer project.

Darleen-signature-love

Talking All Things Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving turkey solutions, suggestions, and total turkey success are what we’ve got going for today’s countdown to Thanksgiving post.

Thanksgiving-holiday-turkey-with-all-the-trimmings-table

Before you know it Thanksgiving day will be here, and along the way things have a way of getting super hectic.

With that in mind, I thought I would post this info sooner rather than later to allow time to gather and plan for your gather-together times.

roasted-turkey-vegetables

Better Homes & Gardens

How big of a bird will I actually need?

How do I properly defrost the thing?

What temperature is best to cook a turkey on?

How long do I cook the Thanksgiving turkey for?

Thanksgiving turkeyHerb, Lemon, and Garlic Turkey

Roast, bake or air fry?

To stuff, or not to stuff?

What’s the best seasonings of the turkey roasting-baking-frying season?

Let’s talk turkey.

Turkey-cuts-diagram (1)

How much turkey do you need?

how-much-turkey-to-you-need-chart

From the folks at Delish

Thawing the Frozen Thanksgiving Turkey

For Refrigerator Thawing:

Place turkey on a tray to eliminate leakage to other areas of refrigerator.

Thaw breast side up, in original unopened wrapper on a tray in the fridge (40 degrees F or below).

Allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4-5 lbs.

Suggested thawing time for a frozen turkey:

4 to 12 pound turkey:             1 to 3 days
12 to 16 pound turkey:           3 to 4 days
16 to 20 pound turkey:          4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pound turkey:         5 to 6 days

Cold Water Thawing:

Thaw breast side down, in original unopened wrapper.

Cover the turkey completely with cold water.  Change the water every 30 minutes.

Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per pound.

4 to 12 pound turkey:         2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pound turkey:       6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pound turkey:      8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pound turkey:     10 to 12 hours

The good people at Butterball offer cooking calculators and conversion charts for everything Thanksgiving turkey.

Here’s the link: Butterball Calculators and Conversions Chart

The Amazon Echo calls up Alexa the answer machine, now we’re cooking playlists, recipes, and the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line® .

Prep the bird and don’t forget to tie those bad boy turkey legs together with cooking twine.

Cooking-Twine-Cotton-Kitchen-String

Thawed turkey roasting times in a 325 °F regular oven:

6 to 10 pounds:      2 to 3 hours (unstuffed)       –     2¼-3½ hours (stuffed)

10 to 18 pounds:    3 to 3½ hours (unstuffed)   –     3¾-4½ hours (stuffed)

18 to 22 pounds:     3½-4 hours (unstuffed)    –      4½ – 5 hours (stuffed)

22-24 pounds:        4-4½ hours (unstuffed)     –     5-5½ hours (stuffed)

24-30 pounds:        4½-5 hours  (unstuffed)    –      5½-6½ hours (stuffed)

Thawed turkey roasting times in a 325 °F convection oven:

6 to 10 pounds:       1½-2 hours (unstuffed)       –    1¾-2½  hours (stuffed)

10 to 18 pounds:     2 to 2½ hours (unstuffed)   –    2½-3¼ hours (stuffed)

18 to 22 pounds:     2½-3 hours (unstuffed)      –      3¼ hours (stuffed)

22-24 pounds:        3-3½ hours (unstuffed)       –      3¾-4¼ hours (stuffed)

The turkey is done when the temperature with a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the breast and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

checking-turkey-internal-temperature

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Jason Donnelly

Taylor-Digital-Folding-Probe-Meat-Thermometer-with-Blue-Backlight-Display

Taylor Digital Folding Probe Meat Thermometer with Blue Backlight Display

Use a food thermometer to check the turkey in the thickest part of the breast.

If you stuff the Thanksgiving turkey, the center of the stuffing must reach 165 degrees F.

Roasting Meat Thermometer T731 Oven Safe Large 2.5-Inch Easy-Read Face

Cross contamination between turkey and stuffing is a concern, so just make sure both turkey and stuffing reach proper temperatures.

Let the turkey stand 15 minutes before carving.

cutting-carving-turkey-thighs

Foodiesfeed

Safe Turkey Prep, Thawing, Stuffing, Cooking, Clean Up Tips:

Always wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food.

Thaw turkeys in the refrigerator, never on the counter.

Don’t wash raw poultry before cooking.  It can spread germs to other areas.

Place stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.

Cook raw poultry thoroughly to at least an internal temperature of 165° F.

Wash your counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.

Do not feed your pets raw food. 

graniteware-oval-roaster-black

Graniteware Oval Roaster

Black graniteware covered roasters speak holidays to me, but I’m always open to a new trad roasting pan that gets the Thanksgiving turkey roasted to perfection.

Personal preference for white meat drives me to simply roast a boneless turkey breast.

Thanksgiving-platter (1)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place turkey breast, breast-side up, into the roasting pan.

Dry the skin of the turkey breast by patting with a paper towel.

Give the outer skin of the turkey a generous rub down with butter.

Season the turkey breast with seasonings and herbs of your choice (see suggestions further down in the post).

Rub the seasonings into the skin of the turkey breast.

Roast the turkey breast at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes per pound until thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 degrees F.

Nordic Ware Copper Roaster XL Large

To brine or not to brine…

brining-bags

Turkey truthers swear by brining which simply put is soaking a turkey in salty water for an extended period of time, usually 16-20 hours.

Prepare your brine, and once process is completed refrigerate your turkey or yes, Virginia (wrong holiday, but you get the point) the turkey will spoil.

When time is up, rinse the turkey both inside and out in order to remove residual salt.

Here’s a great recipe for a brine from The Pioneer Woman.

Ingredients

3 cups apple juice or apple cider

2 gallons cold water

4 Tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves

5 cloves garlic, minced

1½  cups kosher salt

2  cups brown sugar

3  Tbsp. peppercorns

5  whole bay leaves

Peel of three large oranges

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Turn off the heat, cover, and allow the brine to cool completely.

Place the uncooked turkey in a large brining bag or pot, pour in the brine solution to cover the turkey, and refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.

Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine (discard the brine) and submerge the turkey in a pot or sink filled with fresh, cold water for 15 minutes. This removes excess salt from the outside.

Remove the turkey from the water, pat very dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.

-The Pioneer Woman

Cajun Classic 15 Oval Aluminum Roaster GL10050

Cajun Classic 15″ Oval Aluminum Roaster GL10050

Check out vintage shops and flea markets for good deals on vintage cookware.

vintage-cookware-antiques-shop

Cotton Port Antique Mall

Cooks 2-pc. Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Cooks 2-pc. Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Stainless Steel Roaster Pan Extra Large & Lightweight

Gibson Home Kenmar High Dome Oval Roaster Set

Gibson Home Kenmar High Dome Oval Roaster Set

All-Clad B1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Farberware 12″ x 16″ Nonstick Roaster with Rack

brining-bags-autumn-fruit-and-spice-turkey-brine-and-turke

Aroma® 18Qt. Roaster Oven with High-Dome Lid, Black (1)

Aroma® 18Qt. Roaster Oven with High-Dome Lid, Black

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 6.5qt Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer with High Gloss Finish

Going the pressure cooker and air fryer route gives the holiday cook a holiday helping hand.

Turkey breast is the requested option of the Places In The Home crowd, and I usually go with a 3lb. bird breast.

Here’s my two-step how to air fry a Thanksgiving turkey:

Remove any netting from around the breast, lightly coat turkey breast with olive oil and season with preferred seasonings.

Chefman-air-fryer-oven-with-french-doors

26 Quart XL Air Fryer Oven with French Doors

Select the air fryer or air crisp function and set fryer to 350 degrees.

The first round of “frying” is for 20 minutes.

Now comes step 2.

Using caution as not to burn yourself, turn the turkey breast and re-coat with olive oil and seasonings.

Set to air fryer or air crisp function at 350 degrees for an additional 30 minutes or until internal temperature of turkey breast reaches 165 degrees.

Allow turkey breast to rest in the place for 10-15 minutes.

Cooks 5-Qt. Programmable Latch and Travel Slow Cooker

Cooks 5-Qt. Programmable Latch and Travel Slow Cooker

For the slow-cooker cooks:

Seasoning the Bird:

I usually add a stalk of celery cut into three equal parts and ½ peeled and sliced onion or 2-3 cut green onions.

Add 1 ½-2 cups of chicken broth or white wine to roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during baking.

No turkey roasting-baking is complete without butter (Julia Child would be so proud).

Rub 4 Tablespoons (½ stick) butter over turkey breast meat under skin.  Next, add 4 tablespoons butter to the turkey cavity.  Finish up by rubbing a generous amount of butter over the outside of the turkey.

Sprinkle turkey with seasonings of your choice of seasonings such as salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, garlic, rosemary, or Creole seasoning.

turkey-seasonings

Thanksgiving-turkey-seasonings-herbs

Williams-Sonoma Turkey Seasoning Paste

Cover with roasting pan lid or a foil tent for first 1-1½ of roasting.

roast-turkey

dishwasher-safe-plastic-and-rubber-baster

Farberware Professional Dishwasher Safe 3-in-1 Plastic and Rubber Baster

Set of 2 Stainless Steel Turkey Lifters

Set of 2 Stainless Steel Turkey Lifters

Cuisinart 3-Piece Rose Gold Carving Set

Cuisinart 3-Piece Rose Gold Carving Set

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

how-much-to-serve-holidays

Based on a Thanksgiving dinner for six (6) people, this How Much to Serve guide is simply that; a guide give or take a helping or two.

Turkey:

1-1½ pounds sliced turkey per person (which means you will need to buy a 9 pound turkey).  Think leftovers!

Dressing/Stuffing:

1½ cup serving per person

Sides:

1-½ cup serving per person

Bottles of Wine:

2-3 bottles should be enough to sip and toast for dinner for 6.

Desserts:

Figure on one 9 inch pie being enough for a party of six.

One 5 inch, round, single layer cake.

plymouth-turkey-platter-1

Williams-Sonoma

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

oval-turkey-platter-Thanksgiving

 Oval Turkey Platter

BLACK+DECKER ComfortGrip 9 Inch Electric KnifeBLACK+DECKER  9 Inch Electric Knife

sliced-carved-holiday-turkey-photo-Con-Poulos

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Con Poulos

Carving the Bird:

Place the bird on a carving board or reliable surface for carving, breast side up with the legs facing away from you.

Position the carving fork in the lower part of the breast to hold the turkey steady as you carve.

Find the hip joint connecting the thigh and the breast and begin slicing through.  Repeat on the opposite side.

Separate the drumstick from the thigh by cutting through the joint.

Let’s move on to the drumstick/ turkey leg.

Pull each leg to extend them away from the body and slice between the breast and the drumstick.

Move the leg backward to loosen it away from the socket, cut away from skin and remove.  Repeat on the opposite side.

Now we’re winging it!

Locate the joint connecting the wing to the body and slice on through.

Repeat on the opposite side.

For the breast, begin by slicing as close to the breastbone as possible.

Slice all the way down as to have one large piece and repeat on the opposite side.

Place breast on cutting surface and slice from smallest end to the largest.

Arrange and plate as you like.

Sofia Home Red Stoneware Serve Platter

Sofia Home Red Stoneware Serve Platter

Woodland 12 in Turkey Platter

Woodland 12 in Turkey Platter

vintage-blue-white-large-platter

Cherished family recipes shine at the holidays, and this handwritten recipe platter (submit your recipe) will become a treasured slice of tradition.

Handwritten Recipe Personalized Platter

Handwritten Recipe Personalized Platter

November ushers in the holiday season, and the Thanksgiving Day meal sets the tone and the table for delicious times.

https://brandcycle.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1198&aff_id=2671&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anrdoezrs.net%2Flinks%2F7921344%2Ftype%2Fdlg%2Fsid%2FA{affiliate_id}O{offer_id}TID{transaction_id}%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.belk.com%2Fp%2Fspode-woodland-12-in-turkey-platter%2F0400600488213.html

2pc Stainless Steel Laquiole Pakkawood Carving Set Brown – French Home

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

Gathering around the holiday table gorgeously set and featuring a Thanksgiving turkey baked-roasted-grilled-air fried to absolute golden perfection is a culinary tradition to feast upon.

Darleen-signature-love

Budget Friendly Renovation Ideas

Budget friendly renovation ideas serve a work with what you have purpose in the home improving the outdated with the updated game.

Today’s 6-10 blog post bookends the Home Improvement Ideas on a Budget companion post.

Here we go.

Budget Friendly Renovation Ideas

6.  Make the Decorative Call to Replace Outdated Window Treatments

(or elect not to use window treatments at all)

Period Architecture

Period Architecture

There’s no substitute for the beauty of natural light, but privacy concerns may trump this option.

If going with window treatments consider blinds, shutters, shades and even architectural salvage pieces.

Heidi Caillier

House Beautiful – Heidi Caillier Design

window-treatments-ideas

farmhouse shutters Leanne Ford interiors

House BeautifulLeanne Ford

Working or stationary, a pair of vintage shutters used as a complementing accent in your window treatment application take the finished look to new heights.

European-shutters

The house we owned before the one we presently live in was a garden district charmer complete with interior French doors, original cast iron farmhouse kitchen sink with drain board, and casement windows.

The previous homeowners bleached the screened interior window frames that surrounded the casement windows above the kitchen sink.

We removed the screen and left them in place as the sole window treatment, hitting a work with what you have budget friendly renovation ideas home run.

Mahogany wood windows in the home of Michael and Ally Banks were bleached in keeping with a Belgian influenced result.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BarnesVanze Architects (@barnesvanze) on

I found this piece at Hobby Lobby, and the price is budget friendly renovation ideas right.

Embossed Medallion Metal Wall Decor

Stand out and be noticed unique is what we’re going for here, so the idea is to use the embossed medallion (36 ½” wide) as an inside mount valance.

flip house kitchen remodel update remove

Dressing up a window frame with pediments, decorative corbels or architectural pieces is another decorative option that will help to achieve a custom look.

distressed corbel

7.  Shed New Light On The Situation

New lighting fixtures instantly update and turn on the visual wow factor.

white-tongue-and-groove-trim-on-island Heidi Caillier Design 

Pendant lights will be hanging around and on-trend for awhile.

alyssa.colagiacomo.interiors.portfolio.interiors.kitchen.bar.wine.cellar

Alyssa Colagiacomo Interiors

I’m a huge fan of a lamp(s) on kitchen countertops.

LKM Design Bedford, NH Farmhouse Kitchen

LKM Design

A well placed lamp easily becomes a focal point of both function and fashion.

kitchen-full-view

Wireless LED puck lights mounted under cabinets are my first choice of affordable accent lighting.

Puck lights cast a lovely light at night- an all grown up night light.

outdated kitchen

This is the original image I worked off of for this post, so Number 8 refers to furr-down.

8A. Places In The Home #1 Rule of Kitchen Remodels: Furr Down Be Gone!

Furr Down

A box-out at the ceiling typically 12″ high and 14″ deep.  Often used for AC duct work.  Kitchen cabinets are installed up to it creating a step effect.  Also called a soffit or bulkhead.

I am no fan of the furr down.

Removing an ornamental furr down takes years off the life of an outdated kitchen.

crown molding cabinet topsBetter Homes & Gardens

Crown molding added to the tops of upper cabinets gives a finished top edge and ups the decorative ante.

crown-molding (1)

8B. New Sink + New Faucet = Hello, Current and Fresh Update

flip house kitchen remodel update

Number 8 in this photo reflects the kitchen sink and faucet dilemma.

transitional

Love, love, love the details and accents of this spectacular service kitchen by Jill Frey Kitchen Design.

Perfectly positioned accent lighting, statement flooring, gorgeous choice of countertop materials, excellent choice of window treatment, and a focal point sink prove the contrast engages the eye point.

Kraus KHU103-32 Undermount 32 inch 2-Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Swiss Madison Ceramic Farmhouse Kitchen Sink with Apron

Swiss Madison Delice 30″ x 18″ Ceramic Farmhouse Kitchen Sink w/Apron

farmhouse-faucets

Lyndhurst 2-Handle Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Matte Gold

Kraus KBU24 Undermount 32 inch 2-Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen SinkKraus KBU24 Undermount 32 inch 2-Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

9.  Update Switches, Plugs and Plates

outlet-covers-various

Small changes make safe and stylish improvements and brings things into the 21st century.

10.  Countertop Solutions

mint green kitchen

Studio MRS

In real estate it’s all about location, location, location.

In renovating it’s all about enhance, enhance, enhance.

Manufacturers pay very close attention to the design and decor needs and wants of the buying and renovating public, and the kitchen design industry has made huge strides in bringing to the retail marketplace affordable alternatives to expensive kitchen countertop materials.

rust-oleum-transformations-countertop-paint

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations

If the existing countertops are free of stains, marks, scratches and the like,  workable with your color palette, and not overly antiquated, you may be in business.

How to paint laminate countertops instructions from DIY Network HERE

daich-spreadstone-countertop-paint

DAICH SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit

Countertops are the utilitarian workhorse of kitchen, and as such should be crafted from quality materials coupled with a quality look.

If a quality, style and affordability tops the list, consider replacing existing outdated and worn laminate with new laminate in new and improved pattern selections.

Formica light countertopsFormica

Laminate is back on the radar as an affordable and visually pleasing countertop and backsplash option.

40f2ca0d6beab7f5da422646791b995aWilsonart

Bonus Suggestions

contemporary-bathroom Jill Sorensen Inc Design Firm

Wall sconce lighting is a versatile choice for ambient lighting in foyers, kitchens and bathrooms.

Changing vanity cabinet hardware takes years off a tired look.

painted-wainscotting-Photo-by-Tiffany-Haynes

One Kings Lane – Photo by Tiffany Haynes

Color makes a big splash in small spaces.

bold-wallpaper-white-tile-bathroomRue Magazine

Make a big and bold statement by painting trim or wainscotting in a fabulous color and wallpapering the walls and/or ceiling.

wallpaper-bathroom-Domino-photography-by-Ungano-Agriodimas

Domino – Photo by Ungano+Agriodimasy

Replace existing vent covers with decorative resin wall or ceiling vent covers.

Decorative Resin Wall or Ceiling Vent CoversVent Covers Unlimited

Fireplace built-ins come in as one of the top remodeling projects I love to tackle.

 stephanie kraus design Stephanie Kraus Design

Again color, texture, and pattern come into play.

bookcase-wallpaper

It’s amazing what you can do with a gallon of paint, new cabinet hardware and a roll(s) of gorgeous wallpaper.

cabinet-knobs-collection

Works in the kitchen, too!

Liz Caan & Co. wallpaper cabinetsLiz Caan & Co.

Painting the built-ins and the bricks is a budget friendly step in the right direction.

For the DIY decorista project pros, covering over the bricks with tile or texture project may fit the bill.

Budget friendly?

Perhaps not, but in terms of resale and style at home value it can be a justified expense.

dalliance designDalliance Design

Picture lights mounted at the center point at the top of each unit creates a stunning library effect, and wallpapering the back wall of the unit or painting in a fabulous designer color brings forth the decorative oomph in updated fashion.

Plenty of wall space to fill?

I love this DIY library wall project from Kristin Cadwallader of Bliss at Home as featured by Better Homes & Gardens with all the how to instructions.

Click on the above link to check it out.

diy-library-wall

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
—Theodore Roosevelt

Teddy’s words hammer and nail the sentiment of this budget friendly renovation ideas post.

Home improve what you can, with what you have, when you can.

Darleen-signature-love

A Most Fetching Friday: Pantry Envy

This week’s A Most Fetching Friday features kitchen or kitchen adjacent pantries of brilliant design, functionality and visual appeal worthy of pantry envy.

fetching-define

pantry-architect-Jim-Joseph-AD

Architectural Digest

pantry-Hayburn & Co

Hayburn & Co.

Steven Gambrel

pantry-country-living1

Country Living

pantry-copper-sink

John Lewis of Hungerford

Pantry Envy Accessories –

peanut-jar

pantry envy

pantry-walk-in-pantry-glass-door-built-in-pantry-shelves

DecorPad

pantry-The-Stone-Mansion1

Rafterhouse

Love your style!

Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious! Copper Home Decor Accessories

Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious!

That’s one way to sum up the beauty of the copper home decor accessories.

The patina, richness and versatility of copper lends a distinctive presence and truly unique color palette choice to interior design accents and home decor accessories.

Williams Sonoma Professional Copper Sauté Pan

Williams Sonoma Professional Copper Sauté Pan

Copper is not only a timeless trend choice, but a gorgeous heavy metal of ever current never outdated mass appeal.

copper-pots-molds-on-shelf

Flickr

A bold neutrality (isn’t that a design oxymoron?) accurately describes the pop of color copper kitchen accessories.

farmhouse-kitchen-copper-faucet

HouzzPine cone skinny napkin rings, set of four

Pine Cone Skinny Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Currently Coveting Copper!

farmhouse-kitchen-copper-pendants

Atelier Werner Fraters Décoration

Rustic-industrial-dome-pendant-light,-single-vintage-copper-chandelier

Rustic Industrial Dome Pendant 

A stroke of antique treasure hunting afforded me the perfect opportunity to own a large double handled solid copper serving bowl.

As soon as I unpack it (gotta find it first) from storage it will again grace the kitchen gallery wall.

copperrangehoods

My Rustica

When it came down to countertop selections for our kitchen remodel I knew the direction I was going in, but how much of my choice to incorporate into the scheme was the question I struggled with.  

Dave the Builder and I drove to Home Depot and soon the question was answered.

We selected copper half round rope metal molding wall tile trim to enhance the tile back splash.  

kitchen-materials

From the kitchen to the front exterior of the house, copper accessories make their presence known.

hammered-copper-table-lamp

 

When we moved into our home I accessorized the exterior with copper and copper inspired treated items.

Fifteen years later the copper mailbox, copper address plaque and copper weathervane look as new today as they did when purchased.

browns-tans-benzara-wall-mount-mailbox

Spacious Brown Copper Metal Wall Mounted Mailbox

copper-house-numbers

Copper Floating House Number

Pure Copper Horse Weathervane

Pure Copper Horse Weathervane

I was so tempted to go with copper gutters!

decorative exterior copper gutter

Austin Gutter King

Copper items left to nature’s patina process only get better with age.

copper gutters

Houzz

A copper boiling pot makes a perfect decorative accessory.

The point of new, vintage or antique copper is copper style, copper patina and the Super Copper Tastic Excellent à la Decorocious decorative effect.

The wide range of availability and price points of copper interior and exterior decor items is in our favor.

old copper maskFlickr

The wide range of availability and price points of copper interior and exterior decor items is in our favor.

Copper remains an elegant and traditional choice of color and material to enhance any space and complement any taste.

Darleen-signature-love