Note Culinaire, November 21, 2025

Food

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Note Culinaire November 21

Welcome to Thanksgiving week! If you’re hosting, I’ve included a handy timeline in this note. If you aren’t, make sure not to forget a thoughtful gift for your host/hostess on the  big day. Flowers are always nice, and so are these lovely candy boxes from Sugarfina. 

I’m linking an Amazon list of all my favorite kitchen items I can’t live without, especially when I’m cooking during the holiday season, as well as some of my favorite tabletop entertaining essentials. If you need paper plates or fresh wine glasses and linens, I hope you’ll take a look! 

If you’re tasked with bringing an hors d'oeuvre, side dish, or dessert, I hope you’ll give one of these a try: 

• Cheese Board
• Radicchio, Pear & Walnut Salad
• Sausage Mushroom Stuffing
• Brussels Sprout Gratin
• Molded Cranberry Sauce
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Here’s wishing you all the best this Thanksgiving. May your holiday and loved ones be truly blessed and feel the love of a God who made you and loves you this holiday season! 

Thanksgiving timeline: 

5 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

• If buying a frozen turkey, thaw in the fridge
• Begin prepping dry ingredients
• Set the table if possible or clean/iron linens

4 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

• Grocery shop for fresh ingredients
• Chop vegetables and prep herbs
• Make and refrigerate cranberry sauce

3 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

• Label serving dishes and finalize table setting
• Thaw pie dough and pie crusts in the fridge

2 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

• Pick up fresh turkey and store in fridge
• Dry-brine turkey or prep wet brine
• Start assembling casseroles and sides
• Bake pies or desserts that hold well
• Set up beverage station

1 DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING

• Prep sides that can be made in advance
• Assemble salad(s)—but do not dress!
• Wet-brine turkey
• Thaw breads and rolls in the fridge
• Bake remaining pies and desserts
• Chill wine and beverages (don’t forget to pick up extra ice!)

THANKSGIVING DAY

• Bring turkey to room temperature before roasting
• Finish sides and reheat make-ahead dishes
• Warm breads and rolls and set out hors d’oeuvres & beverages
• Remove pies from fridge 1-2 hours before serving
• Carve turkey, serve and enjoy this time with family and friends!