Since its November, I think we can start to talk about the holidays and what you will need if you are doing the cooking and baking. As of last year, we took over Thanksgiving from my in-laws. It was time to pass on the torch. Christmas dinner was ours to begin with, so adding another was not a big deal.

I am one who prefers to get ahead of the game, and not wait to buy everything a week or two before the holiday itself. My husband and I sit down and get our master list together. Since he does cook with me, it’s good to have another head there so we don’t forget anything. The list begins with items I can buy now, and put away either in the freezer or pantry. Canned goods for my pie, and the ready-made crusts have already been purchased. I bought enough for the Christmas meal also.

My tendency is to start buying items every week, beginning in mid to late October, when I do my big shopping trip. Of course if you use fresh items such as string beans or cranberries, certainly wait until the holiday gets closer. I do wait to get my potatoes that weekend before. However, rolls, canned sauerkraut and pork loin chops (German roots here), can be bought several weeks ahead of time. Financially it makes sense for us to divide the purchases for several trips. This is why I also start getting items for the next big feast. I have to admit, it might now all be from scratch, but no one has ever left food on their plates.

So, I have not mentioned the main star yet, the turkey. Many people I know order from farms and buy them as fresh as anything you would want. We, however, have used both frozen and fresh frozen, and have not been disappointed yet. My in-laws are purchasing the turkey, since they said we are buying everything else. That is fine with me, as long as I have a week to thaw it out in our downstairs refrigerator. That is the one advantage of buying frozen or fresh frozen. You also have the option on size and pounds. Buy it and freeze it. Check out sales, but don’t short change yourself and your family’s taste buds. If you prefer a certain turkey brand, then buy it. There are certain times I also draw the line. We know what we like, and that’s what we get.

November 24th will be here before you know it. Don’t get caught without enough gravy or stuffing. Shop early and you will be less stressed. Promise!