So it’s the big day… and while you may think Thanksgiving is all about the cooking, it’s also really about the timing.  If you’ve been following HIB’s checklists, you should have your appetizer, dessert, and cranberry sauce already complete. Here’s a list of what to do throughout the day so that all your dishes are ready to be served at the same time.  And while this may seem like a pretty jam-packed day, there’s plenty of free time throughout for enjoying some libations. 

10:00 AM - Eat Breakfast.  You’ll need sustenance for the day of cooking you have ahead of you! 

11:00 AM - Take your turkey out of the fridge: the goal is to take the chill off for roasting. You can certainly get it all prepped and ready for the oven, and then let it hang out on your counter until you’re ready to roast it. This is also a great time to take your Cranberry sauce out of the fridge - it’s best served room temperature.

11:30 - Prep your brussels sprouts and carrots & parsnips (chopping, tossing with oil, seasoning, etc) and put them in their respective baking dishes. 

12:00 - Preheat your oven to 425 Degrees F

12:30 - Roast the turkey. You’re looking at a cook time of around 3 hours, depending on how large the bird is - and remember, it has to rest before carving (and can rest up to 45 minutes/hour - it will retain its heat) so don’t rush it. Let it hang out! 

1:30 - Chop your potatoes and add them to water for boiling 

2:15 - Your potatoes are done, make the mashed potatoes! 

2:30 - Make your stuffing on the stove top and then transfer it to an oven-safe dish for baking once there’s room in the oven. 

3:00 - Add your Carrots & Parsnips to the oven on the bottom rack and heat up your soup on the stove top.  

3:30 - Pull your turkey out of the oven and allow it to rest.  Pop those Brussels Sprouts and Stuffing in the oven now that you have the room. Take this time to make gravy with the pan drippings. 

4:00  - Serve your soup! Your guests have been smelling amazing things in that kitchen and have gotten hungry!

4:15 - Your brussels sprouts, stuffing, and carrot & parsnip dishes are all done! Remove them from the oven, carve the turkey and…..

4:30/5:00 - Dinner is served!  Have a drink, enjoy, and give thanks to your friends and family who will certainly clean up after this fine meal considering all the work you’ve done to make this a feast to remember! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Hungry in Brooklyn!