Dear Ellie

My first thanksgiving as a 22 year old married lady and I have to make Thanksgiving family for my in-laws.  I am scared to death.  My husband volunteered us (meaning me) and he told me just a few days ago.  Other than wanting to become a widow, I don’t know what to do or make.  Help Me.

Thanksgiving Hot Mess

Dear Hot Mess 

Can’t kill your husband over Thanksgiving, this would be ill form and against all etiquette.  Besides, what if he bleeds all over the table, what a mess, and then going to jail over the holidays; no one looks good in orange. 

OKAY, now for the serious stuff.  Ask you mother in law to help you.  If this is something that you don’t want to do, stick to the basics I have listed below.  Call your friends and ask for their favorites, call your mother and ask for help.  If all this is not an option, go to the internet for food recipes, they are usually very easy and step by step.  If you are still unsure, call Cracker Barrell, The Alley on Main, Mimi’s, Through The Grapevine, Chop House, or Farmer’s Family Restaurant and order Take Out.  Many restaurants in town do this for no additional charge.  There is nothing wrong asking for a little help.

Turkey or Ham.  Buy it and follow the instructions on the label, not very hard at all.  If unsure, ask the butcher at the grocery store

If you are a great griller, then grill steaks, burgers, chicken, whatever makes you comfortable 

Stuffing or dressing – your choice.  Lots of good recipes on the Food Network

Mashed potatoes – super simple, boil potatoes, mash, add butter and milk or cream

Green Beans, broccoli, or another green veggie

Cranberry sauce or salad, buy or make

Macaroni and cheese if this is a favorite

Tossed Salad

Rolls if you want bread

Desert, like a nice pie.  If you don’t want to make a pie, Sam’s Wholesale Club makes a delicious pumpkin pie, apple pie, and cherry pie.

Serve iced tea and water.

Make it as lovely as you want with your wedding china, or use paper plates for easy clean up. 

This is your first, make is easy on yourself.  Don’t stress, it is just food, and you will have stories to tell your future grandchildren.

If your husband wants something special you don’t know how to make, ask him to make it, he did volunteer you after all.

Oh, and the husband, he can clean it all up.

Good luck, Ellie