• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

PB + P Design

Home and Garden

  • About
    • My Weight Loss Story
    • My Beloved Doodles
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars and Brownies
    • Beef
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes, Cupcakes, and Donuts
    • Coffee and Frappes
    • Cookies and Biscotti
    • Crockpot
    • Dessert
    • Dips and Spreads
    • Dog Treats
    • Drinks – Smoothies, Coffee & Cocktails
    • Fruit
    • Granola
    • Holiday
    • Muffins and Scones
    • Pancakes
    • Pasta
    • Peanut Butter
    • Poultry and Pork
    • Salads and Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Seafood
    • Vegetarian and Side Dishes
  • Healthy Living Tips & Goals
  • Garden, Plants & Flowers
  • DIY
  • Home Decor
  • Awards & Features
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Thanksgiving Tips, Tricks and Help

November 23, 2013 By Jennifer @ PB and P Design 7 Comments

Hi Everyone,

Since I posted my Thanksgiving dishes for you yesterday, I thought today I would share with you some tips and tricks to help you get through the Thanksgiving holiday.  First thing I did was make this little Tips and Tricks Chart.  Remember the key thing with big holidays, is to plan accordingly.
Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks
Here is a chart that I posted last year that I got from Eating Light Magazine. I thought that this would come in handy if your roasting vegetables.  It will help with your cooking timings.  Oh and you can also prep most vegetables the night before. So on Thanksgiving day all you have to do is add your oil, seasonings and bake.  If you want to check out my Roasting Vegetables 101 post, you can go here.
Roasted Vegetables 101
One thing we all love to cook with on Thanksgiving is fresh herbs. But the only thing is, when you buy them in advance they wilt, turn brown and just are not good. So I have some tips for storing fresh herbs for at least a week, if not longer.

Storing Fresh Herbs
Ok, we talked about prepping for Thanksgiving, roasting vegetables and storing herbs, I guess the only thing left is the turkey.  Ahhh the beautiful big bird that everyone waits for this time of year.  Funny how we eat fresh roasted turkey in November, yet we really don’t make it any other time of the year.  It’s so much healthier for you then the processed stuff you get at the store.  I recommend saving some turkey for leftovers.  You do know you can freeze cooked turkey?  Just add it to a freezer bag and add a little bit of gravy or chicken broth to it, not a lot of broth, just enough to get it wet, that way it won’t dry out in the freezer.  It will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

I never showed you my turkey from last year.  It was beautiful, and tasted amazing, but I never posted a picture because of space.  My photography area is my kitchen counter and it doesn’t have good light or a lot of room.  I tried my hardest to get a picture of my turkey, but it was to big.  Here is a not so nice picture of it, but I figured I could show you today.  🙂

Here is the fanny shot


Turkey
I was so proud of my decorating of my turkey. It was just kind of crappy because it was just my Husband and I, and all I got is “are you done taking pictures?” Shesh… Here is the side view.
Turkey
Now that I showed you my 2012 bird, let me share some tips on turkey making.

This is the exact same thing from my post last year, but it’s useful and should be shared again.

Thawing Time:

This is the worse part for me.  One year I thought my turkey was completely defrosted and guess what, it wasn’t! It took 12 hours to cook my turkey!  Lucky I started at 6am.  Here is are two charts to help with turkey defrosting time.

Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time (40 degrees F)
Turkey Weight Days to Allow for Thawing Turkey
8 to 12 pounds 2 to 2.5 days
12 to 16 pounds 2.5 to 4 days
16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days

If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, you may thaw the bird in COLD water, in the original wrapping. The cold water must be changed every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound using this method.

COLD Water Turkey Thawing Time
Turkey Weight Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey
8 to 12 pounds 4 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours

Cooking Time:

Now cooking turkey!  Here is a chart of the roasting time for your turkey.  Cook until temperature reaches 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh. Cooking times are for planning purposes only – always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness.

“Open Pan Method” NTF Roasting Guidelines for a Fresh or Thawed Turkey
Roast in a 325 degrees F Conventional Oven on the Lowest Oven Rack
Weight Unstuffed Turkey Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds 2 3/4 to 3 hours 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3 3/4 hours 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
24 to 30 pounds 5 to 5 1/4 hours 5 1/4 to 6 1/4 hours

Stuffing your Turkey:

It is recommended that stuffing be prepared and stuffed into the turkey immediately before it’s placed in the oven for cooking. When making stuffing ahead of time, wet and dry ingredients should be refrigerated separately and combined right before stuffing the turkey. Turkeys should be stuffed loosely, with about 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey.

Use these two simple steps for determining when a stuffed roasted turkey is done cooking and safe to eat:

  1. Insert a meat thermometer into the deepest portion of the thigh, not touching bone, and allow it to come to temperature for an accurate reading. Cook the turkey until the temperature when measured in the thigh reaches 180 degrees F. (When cooking a stuffed turkey breast, the temperature measured in the breast should be 170 degrees F.)
  2. Move the thermometer to the center of the stuffing. Once the stuffing has reached 160 to 165 degrees F, the turkey should be removed from the oven and allowed to “rest” for 20 minutes. This makes carving easier and allows stuffing temperature to continue to rise to at least 165 degrees F.

If the turkey comes with a pop-up timer, a meat thermometer should still be used to check the temperature in the stuffing.

By following these two steps, you and your family can continue the tradition of preparing a delicious stuffed turkey without sacrificing quality or safety.

I hope I was able to help you out a little!    I received this information from the National Turkey Federation.

I double checked this information and found it very accurate.  I used this information for my turkey cooking last year.

Now last but not least!  Its Thanksgiving Day, your turkey is not thawed, your bread won’t rise, your chocolate ganache is lumpy and your whip cream won’t whip, while your cranberries taste to tart and you spilled red wine all over your white carpet. Don’t worry!  I have all of the Thanksgiving Hot Line Phone Numbers to help you out just in case you need a question answered.  It’s good to know there are experts willing to help you on a big foodie day like Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Hotline Numbers
Well that’s it my Friends, time for bed! I have been writing this post for a few hours and I’m getting tired!  I hear my bed calling me and that’s a sound I must not ignore.

If you have any Thanksgiving questions you need answered, I’m not an expert, but I am willing to help. I believe I will be home on turkey day, so just shoot me an e-mail or a comment and I’ll try to help you out!

Have a super fab day!

Toodles,

Jennifer

P.S.  If the photos seem hard to read, just click on them and they will go to a separate page and you can click it again and it will get bigger.

Filed Under: Holiday, Weekly Recap and Misc... Tagged With: Holiday, Thanksgiving, Tips

You might also love

  • Classic Pumpkin Pie
  • Classic Sausage and Herb Dressing with a Twist
  • Cranberry Cherry Bourbon Vanilla Sauce
  • Whole Wheat Yogurt Apple Pancake
50 Skinny Thanksgiving Dishes »
« Honey and Cinnamon Glazed Sweet Potatoes #SundaySupper

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    November 23, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    I love all these tips and tricks! I feel much calmer about the holidays after reading this!

    Reply
    • Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

      November 23, 2013 at 6:18 AM

      Thanks Joanne! Just trying to make the big day go more smoothly!!

      Reply
  2. Tara says

    November 23, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Wow, what a great list of fabulous ideas, nice to have this as hand when needed!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

      November 25, 2013 at 7:54 PM

      Thank you Tara! I thought it would be nice to have a list handy in one post for easy reference. You never know when you may need it.

      Reply
  3. Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says

    November 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    OMG Jennifer this is PERFECT I totally need this! It is like Thanksgiving 101! You’re the best, thanks!

    Reply
    • Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

      November 25, 2013 at 7:48 PM

      Thank you Sophia! I needed to make this list for myself too!

      Reply

Feel free to leave a comment :) Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

logo
Food Advertisements by

Featured Recipes

Pumpkin Bread

Valentine’s Day Tablescape

Preserving Pumpkins

Classic Macaroni Salad

Spring into Summer Tablescape

Archives

CATEGORIES

logo
Food Advertisements by

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Happy Tuesday!! Another dreary day at the Bay! I k Happy Tuesday!! Another dreary day at the Bay! I know I complain about the weather a lot, but this seriously blows my mind in how crappy it is here. I need to get into the garden. It’s my happy place.
🐰
Today I am sharing with you a spring vignette that I created. I just love tulips this time of year. Though, they seem to be out all year at Trader Joe’s, which is kind of strange. I can’t wait until they get peonies and lilacs. My two favorites.
🐰
The candles are from my friends @goldhillcandleco. They are hand poured, 100% soy and have a wooden wick. They smell so fresh and clean. These two candles are from the March subscription box. I highly recommend.
🐰
Have the best day and I hope the sun is shining where you live!!
.
.
#springgtym3vibz 
#springvignette #traystyling #potterybarnstyle #chippywhite #candlestyling #vignettestyling #traderjoesflowers #bunnydecor #easterdecorating #trayfortheday #candlelover
Happy first day of Spring! Though you wouldn’t k Happy first day of Spring! Though you wouldn’t know it in California. We are still getting rain and it’s in the mid 50’s. We should be in the 70’s by now. I wonder what the summer temps will be like this year?
🌺
Even though it may not feel like Spring,  there is no reason why we can’t start prepping for it. It’s going to be time soon to plant flowers, add a floral wreath to the front door and of course a welcome mat to invite everyone to your home. 
🌺
I wanted to share with you my new welcome mat that I got from @cocomatsnmore. They just had their Spring release and oh my gosh so many cute ones. I love there welcome mats. They are thick, bright colors and fast shipping. I absolutely love the flowers and the saying “Live Life in Full Bloom”. It’s so very true.
🌺
What are you most looking forward to this Spring?
.
.

#springhassprungg🐇
#cocomats #welcomemat #porchdecor #porchdecorating #doordecor #doordecoration #springdecorating #welcomemats #porchgoals #springprep #violas #porchstyling
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I have an addiction to Hi, my name is Jennifer and I have an addiction to bunnies and the carrots they eat. Please send help.
🥕
This weekend I worked on my bar cart and let me tell you that I am loving the orange color and all the carrots and bunnies. So much fun!! 
🥕
In the bowl on the tiered tray you see wooden carrots, those are from @krumpetshomedecor. They are so cute!! My dogs seem to be obsessed with them when I hung them on my cart, so I had to hide them. I’ll share them in stories today.
🥕
The carrot sign on the wall, little carrot sign on the tiered tray are from Krumpets Home Decor. Plus the wooden carrot banner is the Krumpets deal of the week. Plus you get an additional 10% off: PBANDP. Link in bio.
🥕
The orange placemats lining the bar cart are the placemats I shared last week from @vmathome 

The carrot tea towel is from my good friend Alicia @theblessedpeach 
.
.
#krumpetshomedecor #carrotdecor #bunnydecor #vasagle #barcartstyling #barcartdecor #barcartstyle #easterdecorating #easterdecoration #springdecorideas #tieredtraystyling #diningroomdecoration #cartstyling #spr1ngdream1ng
Happy Monday! I did a little bit of Spring cleanin Happy Monday! I did a little bit of Spring cleaning this weekend. I wanted to give my kitchen counters the less is more look.
🫧
I did have a very hard time taking my sink tray off the counter. I’ve had the tray there for years, so I thought I would change it up. Don’t be surprised if the sink tray makes its way back. 😂 I may add some herbs to my window sill for some fresh green color.
🫧
I used @cloth.bristle to clean my kitchen counters and sink. I love cleaning my sink with it. It makes it so sparkly and smells good too! Love that it’s all natural. 
🫧
The beautiful spring tea towel is from my friend Alicia from @theblessedpeach. 
🫧
The tray and canister is Targets Hearth and Hand. The marble paper towel holder is Target Threshold. The soap is Trader Joe’s!
🫧
Hope I inspire you to do a little spring cleaning!! Have a great Monday!
.
.
#springcleaningtips #clothandbristle #kitchensink #kitchenstyling #sinkdecor #kitchencounter #quartzcountertops #targetstyle #kitchencleaningproducts  #kitchenwindow #cleankitchen #kıtchenideas #cambriaquartz #kitchenteatowel
Happy Friday! Our next winter storm is here! It is Happy Friday! Our next winter storm is here! It is just awful out there. Heavy rain, high winds and hail. This is not a winter that we are used to in California. 
🥕
My husband and I are not fancy when it comes to eating dinner. Since it’s just the two of us, we never use the dining room table, but always eat at the kitchen counter.
🥕
There is no reason why we can’t eat fancy at the kitchen counter. I am using my new placemats that I got from @vmathome. They are thick, water, stain resistant and can handle heat up to 350F degrees. I love the color and style of the placemats. They have a wide variety of styles and colors, along with matching table runners.
🥕
I styled my table with bright spring colors that I was inspired by carrots. I still have bunnies on the brain. lol I had fun with this place setting, it’s so nice to have dinner with a little style then having it on a plain plate and paper napkins.
🥕
Have a wonderful weekend!! 
.
.
#placesetting #vmathome #tablesetting #tablesettingideas #tablesettingdecoration #placematsdesign #kitchencounterdecor #stylemytable #tablescapestyling #tablescapeideas #tabletopstyle #fr1d4yf33ls
Happy Wednesday! The bunnies are coming out. I’m Happy Wednesday! The bunnies are coming out. I’m hoping all this Spring and Easter decor is telling Mother Nature that we are ready for Spring to arrive.
🐰
I am sharing with you my centerpiece on my dining room table. Don’t you just love the bunny blocks? They are reversible and have a different bunny on each side. Swipe to see.
🐰
The bunny blocks are the @krumpetshomedecor deal of the week. Plus you get 10% off with code: PBANDP.
🐰
The tea towel is from my friend Alicia @theblessedpeach.
🐰
Have you started decorating for Spring?
.
.
#krumpetshomedecor #bunnydecor #centerpiecesideas #diningroomtabledecor #bunnydecoration #springdecor #springdecorating #bunnyhop #springstyling #fauxpeonies #diningroomcenterpiece #m1dweekl00ks
Happy Monday! Hope you had a nice weekend. It went Happy Monday! Hope you had a nice weekend. It went way too quick. I can’t believe it’s Monday again. But on the plus side, I have a clean home to start the week, which is a great feeling.
🐰
I’m sharing with you my media table all decked out for Easter. I just love decorating for spring and Easter. Something about pulling out the bunnies that makes me smile. 
🐰
I am loving my Wanted Bunny sign that I got from @12timbers. I love that it’s a neutral color that will go with any style and color. The sign comes in three sizes, and you can choose the coloring of the background and design color.
🐰
The Jute Tree with the Eggs and the Wooden Bunnies are also from 12 Timbers. The Jute Tree is so much fun to add to your decor. I love the colors of the felt eggs. Plus I love the shape and the way the eggs hang off the branches. The Wooden Bunnies are just the cutest. You know me and bunnies. You can choose your bunnies in pink, white or stain. So much fun to add anywhere in your home. 
🐰
Ohhhh and 12 Timbers is having 20% off all Easter until March 8th. The discount will appear in your cart. Happy Shopping!
🐰
Have a wonderful day!
.
.
#12timbers #easterdecor #easterdecoration #consoletablestyling #easterdecoration #bunnydecor #bunnydecoration #springcolor #easterstyle #bunnysign #m0nd4ym0tiv4ti0n
Happy March 1st! Everyday is a day closer to Sprin Happy March 1st! Everyday is a day closer to Spring. I looked back last year at this time and my garden was starting to flourish. Boy you should see it now. It’s a big muddy mess. With all the rain and high winds we sure have a huge mess to clean. I can’t wait until we get some warm days. 
🐰
I’m sharing with you one of my favorite vignettes that I created last year. I may have a slight obsession with bunnies. Every year I say no more buying bunnies, but then I end up with a few more in my collection. Lol
🐰
Have a beautiful day!
#m4rch0n #springvignette #springvibes #bunnydecor #traderjoesflowers #traystyling #easterdecorating #easterdecorideas #centerpiecesideas #springiscomingsoon #easterflowers
Happy Monday!! Hope you had a nice weekend! I’ll Happy Monday!! Hope you had a nice weekend! I’ll be honest, I great intentions on decorating my house this weekend, but with the rain and cold, I got pretty lazy. I had packages that were supposed to arrive last week, but with the winter storms here on the west coast, my packages seem to be stuck in Nevada. This weather is so crazy!
🌸
Here is my little corner of my living room with a little pop of spring. Sorry about the lighting. With this weather, photographing is not easy.
🌸
I added a pillow that I got from Target and a white blanket I already had on hand. I of course had to add some bunnies. The wooden bunny with the flowers is from my friend Abby @ittybittycottage. 
🌸
Have a wonderful Monday!! 
.
.
#mondazeathdf #livingroomdecor #targetstyle #springdecorating #chairdecor #fauxolivetree #cozycorners #bunnydecor #chairstyling #springdecorideas #smallspacedecor
Happy Wednesday! We are getting such crazy weather Happy Wednesday! We are getting such crazy weather. We are having extreme winds again and boy is it cold out. It’s only in the 30’s right now and tomorrows high is in the 40’s. Normally by now I am planting seeds in the ground and prepping for Spring gardening. I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Where’s the California Spring weather?
🐰
Since we don’t have Spring outside, I thought I would bring Spring in the house. I bought my first fresh bouquet of tulips. Aren’t they pretty? This makes me so happy. Plus I couldn’t resist bringing the bunnies out. They seemed to have multiplied since last Spring. lol
🐰
This Spring vignette was inspired by the beautiful welcome sign from @krumpetshomedecor. I love the bead handle and the cute little bunny on it. The sign is reversible, swipe to see other side. So you can use it all year. It would be beautiful in an entry, guest bedroom and on your front porch.
🐰
The sign is the Krumpets Home Decor deal of the week. Plus you get an extra 10% off with code: PBANDP. Link in Bio.
🐰
What’s the weather like where you live?
.
.
#ph0t0feb #springvignette #bunnydecor #springstyling #traystyling #trayfortheday #traderjoesflowers #krumpetshomedecor #freshtulips #welcomesign #bunnyseason
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · PB + P Design · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy

Go to mobile version
 

Loading Comments...