How to cook and organize a Thanksgiving day

With that in mind, I thought we could imagine a few different scenarios of what this vacation would be like and plan accordingly.

The plan

• Pour yourself a glass of wine. Take out some cheese and crackers. Start a podcast.
• A single-serve all-in-one main course.
• Skip the sides. Who needs it?
• A single serving dessert. Or bake a cake or pie and eat it all week.

Whether you’re celebrating alone or skipping the trip this year, chart a person’s path.

A quirky Thanksgiving calls for an offbeat take on the main bird – instead of the turkey, may I suggest this sumptuous duck breast with a surprising port blueberry sauce?

Follow your main course with dessert for one. Lit with the zest of a clementine, this single-serving chocolate lava cake looks complex but takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. Or listen to me, you could make a whole pie, like this one with pumpkin, and eat it yourself.

Directly from the cake pan. What you don’t finish immediately, you can eliminate over the weekend. It’s your night!

• Two hands are better than one. Find your partner in crime.
• The smallest bird for victory.
• Two contrasting sides because opposites attract.
• Preparation of dessert. Take it out at the last minute.

So you have company. Or rather, you go to class with someone else by your side. That’s good. Good for you. Let’s make good use of those two pairs of hands and improvise an almost Thanksgiving dinner.

For two, a whole turkey seems a bit more, don’t you think? Instead, can I suggest roasting a whole chicken? There should be enough for both of us and something else.

As for the sides, I suggest you use the power of two and each choose the accompaniment of their choice. Sounds like a lot, and it is, but who doesn’t want leftovers? How about something creamy and something fresh: like a classic green bean casserole and crunchy panzanella or goat cheese mashed potatoes with a pumpkin and chickpea salad.

If you need something to make ahead, try these pre-made desserts (I’m a fan of the Chocolate Instant Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie).

The game plan

• Light some candles and put on a playlist.
• Is a cheese board the new main?
• The vegetarian sides are begging to make an appearance.
• Desserts made in advance are your friends. Take them out at the last minute.

Now your table looks a bit more crowded. Of course, you can make the whole turkey and the sides. Who is stopping you? Certainly not me! But if you’re feeling a little unconventional this year, listen to me:

You can pair any of the options with vegetarian side dishes like this kale gratin or Tuscan onion confit.

And what is Thanksgiving without a cake? If you save energy for cooking on the cheese board, why not focus on a spectacular dessert? I’m a fan of pecan pie, but don’t limit yourself to the classics.

Full house, full table.

• It’s turkey time!
• Prepare your sides in advance. Congratulate yourself.
• Simple desserts with individual portions. Everyone to his own tastes!

With a family or flock of this size, maybe a turkey is in order – we usually recommend a pound per person at the table. For more information on choosing the perfect bird, read here]. There are, of course, endless ways to approach such a task, but sometimes the simpler the better. Take a look at this perfect and easy way to roast a turkey. If there are any leftovers, turn them into one of these recipes.

If you take the turkey route, you might want some stress relieving patches on Thanksgiving. I have you. Or rather, this guide does. It’s packed with recipes that you can make ahead of time and bring it to life right before the big meal. This vegetarian leek pie can be made a few days in advance and can be mixed and baked on the spot.

In conclusion, the emphasis should once again be on ease and simplicity. These three dessert options are individually divided and focused on streamlining: olive oil brownies, 4-ingredient nut butter cookies, and fall cakes.

What will your Thanksgiving table look like this year? And what do you plan to serve?