Thanksgiving: Are You Ready?

Thanksgiving is definitely one of the most delicious holidays of the year. Preparing for the feast is about more than just picking recipes. The more complicated the menu, the more you need to be sure to plan ahead! Read on for questions to ask yourself to be sure you’re ready for the big meal, as well as some tips and tricks to help the holiday run smoothly.

Am I Ready for the Thanksgiving Meal?

You’ve decided what to serve for the big feast, collected the best recipes, and planned the menu. But are you ready for the meal? Ask yourself the following questions:

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What time should I put the turkey in the oven?

Poultry must be thoroughly cooked to 165 degrees! Time in the oven should be based on the weight of the turkey. Use this Turkey Cooktime Calculator for an estimate.

When should I prepare the other meal items?

Remember that some items can be prepared the day before (or sooner) to save time.

What will I serve for appetizers?

A snack before the meal will help tame impatient appetites! Make sure to keep it light, such as veggie sticks or some fruit.

Does everyone coming to the meal eat turkey?

Make sure to find out if you need to include a vegetarian/vegan option.

Does anyone have any food allergies?

Anaphalactic shock can ruin a meal in a hurry!

What will I do if people want second helpings?

Prepare some extras if you have big eaters.

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You can learn even more about making this year your facility's best Thanksgiving ever!

Our Preparing for the Holidays course will give you the tools to:

Manage your own and your staff’s increased levels of stress
Navigate family dynamics
Help residents cope with changes in routine, schedules, activities, and diets
Help residents who are dealing with grief, depression, and loneliness associated with the holiday season
Maintain quality of care and resident safety

Preparing for the Holidays

2 CEUs, Approved for:

ARF (36148), RCFE (36149), GH (36150), STRTP (36151), and BRN

The holidays can be difficult, but they pose a particular challenge in residential care. Administrators have to navigate increased demands on their time, family dynamics, resident psychosocial needs, staff days off, and their own stress!

This course provides tips and tricks to make even the most stressful holidays fun and memorable for everyone.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Tips

The turkey is the cornerstone of your Thanksgiving meal. Follow these tips to help your turkey shine:

Always cook poultry to the right temperature.

Insert your meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh. Ensure that it does not touch bone, gristle, or the pan–this will give you a false reading.
The turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Take your turkey out of the oven as soon as it reaches this temperature–it will continue to cook for a short time once it is out.

Let your turkey set.

Always wait until the turkey has been out of the oven for at least 20-40 minutes. This maintains the flavor and prevents the natural juices from leaving the meat before it is eaten.
Use this time to cook any side dishes or desserts in the oven.

Don’t cook your stuffing inside the turkey.

You should never ask the star of the show to flavor your other dishes for you! Cooking the turkey with stuffing inside can give you a dry turkey and transfer pathogens to the stuffing from the raw poultry.
Instead of stuffing, insert apple slices, onion wedges, celery, and more of the delicious herbs you are using to cook the turkey. These will flavor your turkey and keep it moist.
You can use the turkey juice from the bottom of the pan to add turkey flavoring to your stuffing.