Mia Teal

Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media

Thanksgiving came and went in the blink of an eye. Our bellies are stuffed, and so are our refrigerators! What do you do now with all this leftover turkey? Whatever you do, don’t toss those leftovers! We have a few ideas up our sleeves to help you out. Let’s take a look…

Soup Ideas:

Turkey Chili: Warm and hearty turkey chili is a perfect leftover meal!

Instant Pot Tortellini & Vegetable Soup: Add in chopped leftover turkey as well as leftover veggies!

Salad Ideas:

Turkey Spinach Salad with Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Dressing: Nothing says a salad has to be boring! Spice it up with these delicious ingredients. 

Spinach, Black Bean & Corn Salad with Chipotle-Cocoa Vinaigrette: Add your leftover turkey and corn to this salad for a nice, flavorful meal.

Sandwich Ideas:

Leftover Turkey Sliders: The name says it all! Use your leftover turkey, stuffing, rolls, and cranberries for this meal.

Open-Faced Turkey Melt: This turkey melt has sliced apples on the bottom which makes for a perfect sweet & salty combo!

Entrée Ideas:

Mac & Cheese with Turkey & Cheddar: This is a great lunch or dinner idea for the day after Thanksgiving!

Turkey Mole Fajita Bowls: This combination of food is sure to keep you full! An option here is to swap the rice with stuffing.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Mia Teal

Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media

Thanksgiving is an exciting holiday full of love, laughs, and of course, food. If you or someone you love follows a vegan lifestyle, there is no need to worry. We have recipes and ingredients for creating the ideal ThanksVegan dinner!

ThanksVegan Appetizers:

Ranch-Spiced Crispy Chickpeas: These chickpeas are crispy and delicious! Be careful, those who don’t participate in a vegan diet may snag a few!

Hummus-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes: With only three ingredients, these tomatoes are sure to be a ThanksVegan hit!

ThanksVegan Entrées

Vegan Veggie Casserole: This filling and nutritious meal is loaded with veggies, spices, breadcrumbs, and a little bit of non dairy butter. 

Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad: PICS Pasta, veggies, spices, and even non dairy butter make for a delicious ThanksVegan meal!

ThanksVegan Desserts:

No-Bake Peanutty Date Bars: This simple, no-bake dessert is quick and easy to make! Your guests will thank you for this one. 

Candy Apples: Who doesn’t love a big candy apple? Add on your favorite candies to make this recipe even better!

Your friends at Price Chopper and Market 32 are wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes You'll Love

As you know, at Price Chopper & Market 32, we specialize in food. And Thanksgiving might just be the biggest food day of the year. So, naturally, we’re here to help you out! With the all the food that comes with Thanksgiving you’re almost certain to have leftovers, and you don’t want those going to waste. Here’s some ideas to love your Thanksgiving leftovers until they are gone!

Turkey Pot Pie: Pot pie is a lovely comfort dish. Perhaps exactly what you need for the post-Thanksgiving blues before Christmas.

Roasted Buffalo Turkey: If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, you’ll enjoy buffalo turkey just the same, maybe even more!

Open-Faced Turkey Melt: This Open-Faced Turkey Melt provides a yummy sandwich alternative for leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Pork Chops: Stuffing like you’ve never used it before, this is an awesome choice for the leftovers that weren’t enjoyed on Thanksgiving.

Mashed Potato, Cheddar & Leek Casserole: Leftover mashed potatoes? Some cheddar cheese, bacon, and leeks will turn that into a nice casserole.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Roll Ups with Cranberry Mustard: These Turkey Pot Pie Roll-Ups are an excellent alternative to a whole pot pie, and the cranberry mustard is delicious.

Turkey, Cranberry, & Goat Cheese Quesadillas: Turn your turkey and cranberry into a quesadilla! Add a little goat cheese and this creative option works like a charm.

Loaded Leftover Soup with Stuffing Croutons: With leftovers, soup is always a winner. And this recipe works beautifully for post-Thanksgiving eats.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Thanksgiving Appetizer Sale!

Mia Teal

E-Commerce Marketing Department

With Thanksgiving only four days away, we understand that preparing for the holidays can get hectic. We want to make your holiday as peaceful, enjoyable, and easy as possible. Oh, and saving money is crucial! We are excited to provide you with delicious appetizers for your Thanksgiving meal on sale this week only from November 20th to the 26th. We have everything you need including cheese, crackers, frozen appetizers, and Market 32 strombolis and much, much more. While we have a very large variety of appetizer items on sale, do not be overwhelmed. We have an option for everyone!

If you prefer to make your own appetizers but are not sure what to prepare, check out the recipes in this blog. Still be sure to browse the sale items in the collection below for your homemade appetizers! 

 

Turkey Cheese Ball: Nothing screams Thanksgiving like this Turkey Cheese Ball! Be sure to include some of the crackers on sale to surround the cheese.

Spicy Caribbean Peel & Eat Shrimp: With a variety of shrimp marked down this week, this recipe is a must!

Strawberry, Basil, and Mozzarella Skewers with Balsamic Reduction: All tasty, fresh items in one appetizer! The best part is, we have select Market 32 mozzarella cheese included in this week’s sale!  

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

The official start of the holiday season is upon us! It’s the best time of year for sharing and caring, especially through wonderful food. Some quick meal ideas will help you manage the week, while Thanksgiving Day hacks and helpers will lead you to success this year.

One of our favorite parts of Thanksgiving are the leftovers – find yummy recipes to rescue the leftovers and enjoy them just as much the second time around. On top of that, we’re offering up ideas to help you entertain your guests all day long. After all, Thanksgiving has been called the ultimate family meal, so we’re providing all the steps we can towards a grateful gathering.

Do you know why you love this holiday so much? Favorite foods, favorite people, and favorite way to spend time – in the company of those who are important to you. We know you have a lot to prepare this week, so meal and snack suggestions are fuss-free so you can stay fresh and focused! Check out:

• Fresh Pork Tenderloin roast with a side of salad and Bakery sweet potato pie!

• 10-Minute Microwave Magic – Seal and Cook Seafood/Fresh Veggie/Herb Butter Meal paired with PICS Ready Rice or Quinoa.

• Snack Savvy – Red grape, black and green grapes and Halo Clementines are grab and go!

• Signature Sip – Pomegranate Cranberry Poinsetta cocktail or mocktail for children and adults!  

• App Tactic – Variety apple slices (McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Honey Crisp?) as “crackers”, soft and hard cheese slices, and those tri-color grapes make a light and fresh start. Or, wow guests with this beautiful Cheese Board.

• Leftover Love – Pilgrim Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese Sliders, Rachel Ray Turkey and Stuffin’ Soup…YUM!

When it comes to a meal as big as Thanksgiving, leftovers are inevitable. Make sure you store them appropriately for the longest lasting freshness possible. Check out some of our tips on leftover storage below:

• Refrigerate or freeze leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy within 2 hours of serving

• Divide large quantities into smaller portions to chill more quickly

• Store leftover turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and stuffing and gravy 1 –2 days

• Bring leftover gravy to a rolling boil before serving

• For longer storage, properly wrap and place in freezer and use within a month

 

There’s a lot to keep track of while preparing for Thanksgiving, especially if you’re hosting. Here’s a few helpful hacks to make your day go as smooth as possible.

• Prep-power – Get platters, special servers, tablecloths and napkins washed and ready the weekend before. Check your stock of aluminum foil, food storage containers with matching lids, wraps and baggies, and add them to your shopping list as needed.

• Collaborate – Is there a famous family pie maker? Have them show off their talents and get dessert off your prep list. Or, find some wonderful choices in the store!

• Designate – One family photographer to take the beauty shots for the meal and the table celebration picture and share later. Label a basket with a sign “Grateful to Spend Time with You” and invite guests to leave phones there during the meal.

It’s hard to think about food for the rest of the week when you’re so focused on Thanksgiving. That’s why we’ve come up a few easy meal solutions for you and your family when turkey is not the main dish. Try Fresh Pork Tenderloin with your favorite seasonings, served with a surprise side of Bakery Sweet Potato Pie and a Fresh Express Honey Pecan Salad Kit. Seafood is another great option, Seal and Cook Fresh Seafood, Veggie, and Herb Butter meal served with PICS Crescent Rolls. For a quick and easy meal, enjoy Fresh Prepared Heat and Eat Meal Options – Pasta, Chicken Breast, and more! For a savory snack, grab some Black, Red, or Green Grapes, or Halo Clementines.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Maureen Rowan Murphy, Manager Consumer Trends, Nutrition and Lifestyles

Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time can be a bit intimidating but it doesn’t need to be.  The source of most angst comes from the fear of cooking a turkey when in fact, it is amazingly easy! Let this guide give you the confidence you need and take the guesswork out of preparing a delicious turkey for your special holiday meal.

Buying a Turkey

Turkeys are available in all sizes, whole or parts, fresh or frozen. Choosing between fresh or frozen turkeys is simply a matter of preference. There is no significant difference in quality.

Store fresh turkey in the refrigerator up to the sell-by date on the label or place in freezer if you plan on using after that date. Fresh turkeys are chilled after packaging to approximately 26°F to assure optimum quality, safety and freshness. It will feel firm to the touch, and ice may be found in the cavity as a result of moisture in the turkey freezing at 26°F (water freezes at 32°F, while protein (meat) doesn’t freeze until 0°F). If there are ice crystals, simply place breast-side down in cold water and allow to stand for 30 minutes or until no longer present.

If you’re purchasing a frozen turkey, you can do so at any time, but be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw. Whole turkey can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely, but should be cooked within 1 year for best quality. 

Not sure what size turkey to purchase? Plan on approximately 1 lb. of turkey per person, which will allow for generous servings and leftovers. That being said, the larger the turkey, the greater the yield. A turkey larger than 16 lbs. will provide 2 servings/lb. i.e. a 20 lb. turkey will feed 40 people.

Thawing a Turkey

Thawing in the refrigerator is the preferred method of thawing. Estimate at least one day of thawing for every 4 lbs. of turkey. (You can insert a chart similar to the one you included in the email to me.) A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.

Although refrigerator thawing is preferred, don’t worry if you forgot to take the turkey out in enough time to thaw. You may also thaw the turkey in cold water or in the microwave if necessary.

To thaw in cold water: Place the turkey breast-side down in its original wrapper in cold water to cover, and change the water changed every 30 minutes to keep the turkey surface cold. Minimum thawing time will be approximately 30 minutes per pound, and the turkey must be cooked immediately upon thawing.

To thaw in the microwave: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave, recommended minutes per pound, and power level to use for thawing. The turkey must be cooked immediately once it is thawed.

Roasting a Turkey

Preheat the oven to 325°F.  Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in shallow roasting pan – do not add water. Brush with cooking oil, melted butter or margarine if desired. Loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent over browning, allow for maximum heat circulation, keep the turkey moist and reduce oven splatters. You’ll want to remove the foil tent 20 – 30 minutes before roasting is finished to allow the turkey to brown.

Most turkeys today come with pop-up timers, and they are generally accurate. If your turkey doesn’t come with one, it is recommended that a meat thermometer be used as it is the safest way to ensure that the turkey is done. The thermometer should be inserted into the inner most part of the breast/thigh area without touching bone. The turkey is done when the thermometer reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. (Cooking to 165°F may give the appearance that meat at joint areas is undercooked, and although cooked, may be pink from the bone marrow. You may therefore choose to cook turkey to a higher internal temperature.) I like to use a meat thermometer even with a pop-up timer, not only for peace of mind so I know the turkey has reached 165°F, but also to check on how the turkey is progressing for timing of side dishes and serving.

Use this roasting chart only as a guide for cooking times.

TURKEY ROASTING CHART at 325°F

Weight (Pounds)                 Unstuffed (Hours)*             Stuffed (Hours)*

8 – 12                                     2 ¾ – 3                                   3 – 3 ½

12 – 14                                  3 – 3 ¾                                    3 ½ – 4

14 – 18                                  3 ¾ – 4 ¼                                4 – 4 ¼

18 – 20                                  4 ¼ – 4 ½                                4 ¼ – 4 ¾

20 – 24                                  4 ½ – 5                                    4 ¾ – 5 ¼

*Estimated cooking time

 Important Safety Tips to Remember

  • Don’t partially roast a stuffed turkey one day and complete roasting the next since interrupted cooking enhances possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Roasting turkey at temperatures below 325°F is not recommended, as temperature is not high enough to destroy bacteria and could be unsafe.

To Stuff or Not to Stuff

The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline actually recommends NOT stuffing the turkey. If it is stuffed, the stuffing may not reach the correct temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria even if the turkey itself reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Stuffing the turkey prolongs the cooking time and prohibits uniform cooking.

 Here are some basic rules to follow if you do plan on stuffing the turkey:

Prepare stuffing just before it goes into the turkey. Dry ingredients can be mixed together and chilled ahead of time. Mix perishable (butter or margarine, mushrooms, sausage, oysters, broth, cooked celery and onions) ingredients however, just prior to placing stuffing inside the turkey and putting the turkey in the preheated oven. Stuffing should be moist, rather than dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a wet environment

Stuff the cavity of the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey to allow the interior of the stuffing to reach the proper 165°F temperature in the center, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it has.

Remove the stuffing from the turkey as soon as it is completely cooled to prevent bacterial growth.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey as well as any other holiday leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.  If you don’t intend to eat by then, wrap the turkey well, place in the freezer, and use within 1 month for best eating pleasure.

Now that you’re ready to take on the Thanksgiving turkey, check out my Countdown to Thanksgiving to assist in planning, organizing and executing a Thanksgiving dinner sure to impress! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/2KMApJ0

Written by Maureen Rowan Murphy, Manager Consumer Trends, Nutrition and Lifestyles

Organizing and timing are key elements when it comes to preparing any meal, but especially a special dinner. This countdown is intended as a guide to make it easier to prepare a stress free, delicious Thanksgiving meal that you too can enjoy!!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

 

The weekend before:

• Shop for items that can be purchased ahead.

• Prepare and freeze anything that can be made in advance.

• Develop a food preparation schedule.

The day before Thanksgiving:

• Purchase fresh items like vegetables.

• Set table or set up serving areas and set out serving pieces/utensils.

• Set up beverage area.

• Measure out dry stuffing ingredients, cover and set aside to mix with perishable ingredients prior to stuffing or placing in a casserole dish.

Thanksgiving Day:

Early in the day

• Post a list of food and check off so nothing is forgotten.

• Remove turkey from the refrigerator, unwrap, remove giblets, and set aside if using. Place in a roasting pan and refrigerate until ready to rest.

• Pick up any prepared food. (Our stores are open until 3pm Thanksgiving day.)

4 to 6 hours before serving

• Peel and cut up potatoes and cover with cold water until ready to cook.

• Prepare stuffing,

2 hours before serving

• Cook giblets is using.

• Place condiments such as cranberry sauce, olives, carrots, celery and pickles.

• Add any finishing touches to make ahead recipes.

1 hour before serving

• Remove turkey from oven and allow to rest.

• Place stuffing in oven to bake if baking in a casserole dish as advised.

• Drain potatoes, add salt and fresh water. Cook, drain, and mash. Place in an ovenproof casserole and keep warm in oven.

• Make gravy.

15 minutes before serving

• Carve Turkey.

• Bake rolls according to package directions.

• Pour beverages.

• Place condiments on table.

• Add any finishing touches to side dishes.

• Light candles.

holiday_dinner_order

The Thanksgiving Turkey Top 10

Maureen Murphy, Manager of Consumer Trends, Nutrition & Lifestyles Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching! Here are the 10 most commonly asked questions consumers have when it comes to the holiday bird. When should I buy my turkey? If you’re purchasing a frozen turkey, you can do so at any time, but need to allow enough time for it to thaw. Check the sell-by date on a fresh turkey as it can be purchased and stored in the refrigerator up to that date on the label. It should be placed in the freezer if you plan to use after that date.   What size turkey should I buy? Plan on approximately 1 lb. of turkey per person, which will allow for generous servings and leftovers. That being said, the larger the turkey, the greater the yield. A turkey larger than 16 lbs. will provide 2 servings/lb. i.e. a 20 lb. turkey will feed 40 people. How long can you keep a turkey in the freezer? As long as a turkey is kept in the freezer it will remain safe to eat indefinitely as food poisoning bacteria does not grow in the freezer, however for best quality it should be cooked within 1 year. How do I safely thaw my turkey? Thawing in the refrigerator is the preferred method of thawing. Estimate at least one day of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Although refrigerator thawing is preferred, don’t worry if you forgot to take the turkey out in enough time to thaw. You may also thaw the turkey in cold water or in the microwave if necessary. To thaw in cold water: Place the turkey breast-side down in its original wrapper in cold water to cover, and change the water every 30 minutes to keep the turkey surface cold. Minimum thawing time will be approximately 30 minutes per pound, and the turkey must be cooked immediately upon thawing. To thaw in the microwave: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave, recommended minutes per pound, and power level to use for thawing. The turkey must be cooked immediately once it is thawed. Is it safe to wash a turkey? It is not recommended that you wash a turkey! Any bacteria that may be present will be killed by cooking so there is no reason to wash it. You can actually run the risk of cross-contamination if you do wash the turkey as any loosely attached bacteria present can spread up to 2 feet around your kitchen. Bacteria could contaminate your dish towel, soap dispenser, etc. Preparing Stuffed Turkey for Holidays What’s the safe way to stuff a turkey? The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline actually recommends NOT stuffing the turkey. If it is stuffed, the stuffing may not reach the correct temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria even if the turkey itself reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Stuffing the turkey prolongs the cooking time and prohibits uniform cooking. Here are some basic rules to follow if you do plan on stuffing the turkey: Prepare stuffing just before it goes into the turkey. Dry ingredients can be mixed together and chilled ahead of time. Mix perishable (butter or margarine, mushrooms, sausage, oysters, broth, cooked celery and onions) ingredients however, just prior to placing stuffing inside the turkey and putting the turkey in the preheated oven. Stuffing should be moist, rather than dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a wet environment Stuff the cavity of the turkey loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey to allow the interior of the stuffing to reach the proper 165°F temperature in the center, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it has. Remove the stuffing from the turkey as soon as it is completely cooled to prevent bacterial growth.   Can I cook a turkey ahead of time? You can cook a turkey up to a couple days in advance if desired. Doing so is actually a great time saver and a way to maximize oven space on Thanksgiving Day. If you do cook it in advance, slice the meat off the bone, and refrigerate in shallow containers so it cools quickly. You can also collect the drippings and prepare your gravy ahead of time avoiding that last minute preparation. When it comes time to reheat the turkey: put in a shallow pan, sprinkle with broth or gravy, cover with foil, and place in a preheated 325°F oven for approximately 30 minutes or until it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F. You can cook it earlier Thanksgiving Day if you have the ability to hold it at 140°F or above, but it is not safe to cook it ahead of time and leave it at room temperature.   How long will my turkey take to cook? How can I tell when it’s done? Most turkeys today come with pop-up timers, and they are generally accurate. If your turkey doesn’t come with one, it is recommended that a meat thermometer be used as it is the safest way to ensure that the turkey is done. The thermometer should be inserted into the inner most part of the breast/thigh area without touching bone. The turkey is done when the thermometer reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.  I like to use a meat thermometer even with a pop-up timer, not only for peace of mind so I know the turkey has reached 165°F, but also to check on how the turkey is progressing for timing of side dishes and serving. The roasting chart below is only to be used as a guide. TURKEY ROASTING CHART at 325°F Weight (Pounds)       Unstuffed (Hours)*   Stuffed (Hours)* 8 – 12                                     2 ¾ – 3                         3 – 3 ½ 12 – 14                                    3 – 3 ¾                         3 ½ – 4 14 – 18                                    3 ¾ – 4 ¼                     4 – 4 ¼ 18 – 20                                    4 ¼ – 4 ½                     4 ¼ – 4 ¾ 20 – 24                                    4 ½ – 5                         4 ¾ – 5 ¼ *Estimated cooking time How do I travel with an uncooked and/or cooked turkey? It is easiest to travel with a cold, uncooked turkey – put it in a cooler with ice so you know it is safe and cold when you reach your destination. If you need to bring a cooked turkey, it is safest to cook in advance. Slice the meat off the bone, refrigerate, and pack cold in a cooler with ice to travel, and then reheat at your destination. The only time you should transport a hot turkey is if you live very close to where you’ll be bringing the turkey. If you do, then take the turkey hot out of the oven, wrap in foil, newspapers and towels and place in a box to retain the heat. Be sure that where you are going has the oven on so you can pop the turkey back in as soon as you arrive so it stays at or above 140°. How long will a cooked turkey keep? Leftover turkey as well as any other holiday leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.  If you don’t intend to eat by then, you can wrap the leftover turkey well and place in the freezer. Use within 2-6 months for best eating pleasure!   Written by Maureen Murphy & Sarah Palmer Empty Pie Crust When it comes to baking a pie, mastering the crust is key! While you can purchase pre-made pie crusts in the dairy & frozen section of our stores, making a pie crust from scratch will make your pie the star of the dessert table!  Below are some tried & true tips to help get you started!     Now that your pie crust skills are feeling confident, fill your crust with this delicious Chocolate-Pecan filling for a sweet pie your holiday guests will love! Chocolate Pecan Pie Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs slightly in mixing bowl.  Blend in sugar, flour, butter and vanilla.  Stir in pecans and chocolate.  Pour into pie shell.  Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool and serve.  Serves 6-8. Written by Sara Lilkas, Marketing Intern  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for almost everyone it is a day to be thankful for what they have, spend time with family, and most importantly eat a delicious Thanksgiving Feast. Since the majority of us are guests at these Thanksgiving events we do not have to worry about cooking many of the complex dishes that are expected to be served as part of the festivities. Now even for experienced cooks, the Thanksgiving meal can be a daunting task. Even if you aren’t cooking for a large group of people there are usually high expectations that go along with Thanksgiving dinners and no one wants to disappoint their guests. Holiday dinnerIf you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, it is essential to sit down and plan out the tasks that need to be completed ahead of time and create your plan of attack. At this point you have to think about what kind of planning works for you. I like making lists where I can check things off as I do them. (For some reason the physical act of checking something off makes me feel like I’m actually accomplishing something and makes the whole task seem more bearable.)  I find it especially helpful when I am presented with tasks that seem overwhelming or difficult. As with almost everything in this world what works for me might not work for you, so it might be beneficial to host a smaller gathering (maybe with a few friends) as a test run to see how you like to plan or organize these kind of events. Now that you know how you want to organize your Thanksgiving dinner, it’s time to actually plan it. Starting to prep around two weeks in advance is the ideal time frame. This is when recipes should be gathered and narrowed down to the final menu. When planning the menu think about what time you are planning to serve dinner as well as what kitchen tools will be needed for each dish and how long everything takes to prep and prepare. As part of the planning process you will want to make sure you have everything required to complete those recipes. Timing is another thing to consider. Since it’s safe to assume most people only have one oven, planning out the space andiStock_000006683483_Medium time every dish needs to be fully cooked is essential. At this point go back through your planned menu and see what can be prepped and prepared ahead of time. Items such as pie crust dough and cranberry sauce can be made a few days ahead a time. Many vegetables can also be chopped and prepped ahead of time. Take a look at the menu and decide which items can be prepped early to save you some time on Thanksgiving Day. Now let’s get talking about that turkey. The weight of your turkey determines how long it takes to defrost if you have purchased a frozen turkey. It could take DAYS!( Please refer to our We Know Turkey guide for more information about defrosting and cooking turkeys!)Make sure you plan accordingly, no one wants a frozen turkey on Thanksgiving Day! Also make sure you have a safe environment to thaw your turkey out in. Plan out how you are going to cook your turkey and if you are worried about how it will turn out, it’s not a bad idea to practice on a smaller turkey or a whole chicken in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Pricechopper has plenty of different turkey recipes to try out and who knows maybe one will become your new holiday favorite! I hope these tips help to make your holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable! Make sure to share your Thanksgiving table pictures with #PriceChopper and #Market32 on Twitter and Instagram!