By Stephanie Holland / Editor in Chief

By Stephanie Holland / Editor in Chief

• Many side dishes and desserts can be cooked in advance, so that on the big day all your focus is the turkey and your guests.
• Though it’s a tradition, stuffing a turkey can lead to undercooked food which leads to food borne illnesses. Your guests will be better off if you cook turkey and stuffing separately.
• Do not constantly open the oven to check on your bird, it will cook faster with the door closed.
• For smaller birds, in the morning before it will be cooked defrost turkey in the sink with cold water. It will save room in a packed refrigerator.
•  Thanksgiving is what you make of it, so don’t feel obligated to cook a traditional turkey and stuffing dinner. Be creative and think outside the box.
• For the culinary challenged, most supermarkets offer pre-made dinners that only have to be warmed up. Don’t be afraid to use these as a starting point.