Stress Free Thanksgiving Tips & {A Butterball Turkey Giveaway}

Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away. I can't believe that November is already starting to pass us by. I'm pretty sure that everyone is already thinking about Thanksgiving and what dishes you will be serving.

I know that Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for everyone, but it doesn't have to be. I recently teamed up with Butterball to share a few of my own helpful tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving. Before we get started I wanted to share a few tasty turkey recipes that I highly recommend.

Brown Bag Roasted Turkey
Alton Browns Deep Fried Turkey
The Pioneer Woman's Turkey Brine

Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey
The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Turkey
Grizzly's Smoked Turkey

Also since we're on the turkey topic if you run into a snag while preparing or cooking your turkey don't panic. Butterball has a Turkey Talk-Line with professionals that will be available to answer every question on how to prepare a holiday turkey.

Staffed with more than 50 home economists and turkey experts now through December, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is available to help first-time cooks and seasoned pros alike. No question is too big or too small. I have included a link to their Frequently Asked Questions. If still need help just give them a call.

Call: 1-800-288-8372
Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CST (Central Standard Time)
Now through December
You can also send them an Email at:
talkline@butterball.com


My Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving:

• Menu: First and foremost plan your Thanksgiving Menu ahead of time. This way you know exactly what you will serving. Plus you can purchase your items in advance.

• Potluck Style: If planning a potluck style Thanksgiving get with family and friends at least 3 -4 weeks before Thanksgiving. This will allow plenty of time to find out what dish everyone is bringing or wants to contribute. After you have compiled your list give everyone a copy. That way folks can bring extra or missing items if they wish to.

• Time Saver: Prepare as much food as possible ahead of time. This way you are not preparing everything on the big day. Rolls can prepared and shaped weeks before. Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet after shaping and toss in a freezer bag. Remove, rise and bake on Thanksgiving day.

• Freezer Friendly: Pies, cheesecakes, cookies and quick breads can also be prepared and baked ahead of time and than frozen. Prepare the dressing or stuffing and freeze uncooked. This is a huge time saver. Remove from the freezer, let thaw and bake.

• Clean Up: If I cannot stress anything more it's "clean as you go" this will save a huge headache in the end.

• Kids: Have a few fun activities planned for the kids. (work sheets, coloring pages, activities and games). This will keep little ones from being underfoot while you're busy in the kitchen. We make Tom the Turkey every year and it's always a big hit.
  

It's all about planning ahead so you can spend more time where it matters. Less time in the kitchen means more time to with family and friends.


THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!
WINNERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CHOSEN & CONTACTED

I'm giving away 2 turkeys thanks to Butterball. I have two turkey coupons to giveaway here at Mommy's Kitchen. Each coupon is good for $15 off any Butterball fresh or frozen whole turkey. If you need a bigger turkey you can just use it towards your purchase and save $15.

For your chance to win one of two Butterball Turkey Coupons please leave a comment below letting me know your favorite tips for making Thanksgiving better for you and your family.

I will choose two random winners on Friday November 11Th. Winners chosen by Random.org and will be notified by email on Saturday, November 12Th. This will give me plenty of time to make sure you get your turkey coupons in time to purchase your Thanksgiving turkey.

Good Luck to everyone!

Disclosure: All Coupons provided by Butterball.

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