Call for Recipes!

This is the point where you should have all your recipes picked out and start gathering your ingredients. First, see what's already in your pantry; Second, create your master shopping list, dividing it into three sections:

1. Non-perishables (wine, canned pumpkin, spices, etc.)
2. Items for the one-week-ahead grocery run (eggs, milk, cured meats)
3. Perishables to buy just a few days before (meats, poultry, vegetables)

Here are some staples to have in your pantry to help with a variety of recipes:

• poultry stock (chicken or turkey)
• poultry seasonings like thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary...even nutmeg
• butter (more than you need just in case! Don't worry you can freeze it)
• shortening
• citrus...lemons, orange
• onions (yellow, onion, red), shallots, garlic
• bacon

But, just in case you don't have your recipes together, let's work together to gather some tried and true recipes.

So readers...do me a solid and send your tried and true Thanksgiving recipes to me dianecancook@gmail.com! Many of you may have next Thursday locked down, but I know there are some first-timers out there who aren't quite ready. From stuffings, pies, and green bean casseroles to turkey, sweet potato bakes, or an unconventional sides...we'll be ready to cook and more importantly, excited to eat!