How to Have a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, or really any big feast, can ignite a sense of stress and panic for even the most seasoned cook. We want our meal to be perfect and tasty, warm and inviting, ready on time and relaxed.

My mamma was forever throwing dinner parties, and Thanksgiving was no exception. With close-knit friends and our own big family, she often cooked for around twenty people. She seemed to serve every meal stress-free, preparing a medley of dishes with ease and seeming enjoyment. So you can imagine my mom was the first person I called when Tracy and I began planning our video on a stress-free Thanksgiving. Yes, stress-free.

Mamma reinforced that the key to success is in the planning. This includes shopping, perhaps the most tedious part of the process, and also why Tracy and I love to start with a CSA box of fresh vegetables. Our produce is already selected for us, and we can focus on the pantry basics and other Thanksgiving staples we need. With local veggies, we can truly give thanks for the bounty that surrounds us in the Finger Lakes!

Watch this video for a quick overview of how to prepare for a stress-free Thanksgiving: