EP. 1:
We decided to do something fun and different by taking you along with me as I shopped and cooked for Thanksgiving! I wish I could’ve posted these videos closer to real time, but I was too busy ACTUALLY cooking the turkey and hosting guests to edit a video, you know what I mean?
I started filming a few days before the big day and walked you through my thought process of planning and writing down my recipes, and to-do lists. And then I went to Costco and braved the crowds and curious eyeballs as I was staring into a camera and talking to myself. Anything for you guys!
The second day of prep consisted of a little light shopping at Aldi, and then getting my kitchen in order. I like to clear out my fridge so I have more space to store. I also clean my stove and clear off my countertops. These are all things I mention in my How to Tackle Thanksgiving Like a Pro video.
All these little things helped out in a big way. I found myself way more prepared and relaxed cooking for Thanksgiving this year because I had a game plan.
EP. 2:
The day before Thanksgiving was my last chance to go grocery shopping for herbs and other items I couldn’t find on my previous shopping trips. Sometimes it’s hard to shop for Thanksgiving food because everyone is after the same items! Then I had to balance out cooking while watching Lincoln. Joe was a big help, but I still had to pause here and there to make time to play with our son…it’s real life after all!
I tied my apron on and got to work. It was a lot of rinsing, mincing, storing, and sauteing. Basically, whatever you can get done the day before, do it to save your sanity! I worked late into the night, making sure to pull my platters and label them with post-it notes. I knew I still had a lot to tackle in the morning, so I tried to set myself up for success.
EP. 3:
It was game time! This is the last video of my Thanksgiving countdown series, ending on the big day. I donned a bandana in my hair because it was time to get serious! Haha. Joe set up this camera to do a time lapse and it’s funny watching back the footage and seeing myself zip all around my kitchen like a busy bee!
I’m so glad we filmed this day because it showcases how all the prep I did in advance really saved me from feeling overwhelmed. Because I have a small kitchen with limited counter space, I have to be really coordinated and intentional when cooking multiple dishes at the same time. How do you have all the food hot and placed on the table at the same time? Utilize your guests!
I mention this tip on my How to Tackle Thanksgiving Like a Pro video, but put your early bird guests to work. Just make sure you know EXACTLY what jobs you have for them. They assembled the charcuterie board, poured the drinks, set the table, and helped me plate the food. The post-it notes definitely helped. It all led to a stress-free Thanksgiving meal where I could sit and enjoy my time with family.
EP. 4:
Hope you enjoyed this countdown to Thanksgiving reality series. It was the first time we tackled filming and documenting in this casual way, but it was a lot of fun! Let me know in the comments if you found this helpful or entertaining and would like to see more content like this!
