Turkey Day

Negotiating the preparation of a meal for Thanksgiving is going to be difficult this year if I'm walking on weekends through November. My weekdays are going to become more precious, and I'm going to have to start prepping some of these dishes earlier than I would normally.

Last year's menu, with some alterations, will be this year's menu. This will easily be the carbiest day of the year for me unless I find some way to slip in sugarless sweeteners and the like to blunt the impact somewhat. I can do that, at least in theory. But will my boss and coworker like the results? That remains to be seen. I'll ask my boss, but I already know his answer. He hates almost everything keto that I've made.

I've already bought the pre-cooked turkey breast; I can easily order the ham; I think a lot of the dishes can be frozen, thawed, transported, and microwaved with little to no problem. Some dishes might be a bit watery when thawed, but they can be reheated and stirred.

Turkey, ham, and gravy? Make in advance and freeze. Reheat in oven & bring to office.

Stuffing? Make in advance, freeze, bring to office early, thaw, and microwave on the day.

Mashed taters? As with the stuffing.

Sweet-potato casserole? As with the stuffing, but don't put on sprinkles (candied nuts) until after the casserole's been reheated.

Creamed corn? This one uses a Béchamel, so maybe make it at the last minute and bring it on the day. No reheating by microwave.

Green beans, bacon, and shrooms? As with the stuffing. No one's gonna eat it, anyway.

Cranberry sauce? I loved the recipe with dried cranberries. As with the stuffing.

Dinner rolls? Buy the "hard rolls" from the downstairs bakery, B1, on the day.

Pumpkin pie? Don't freeze, but bring in a day early and leave out.

This all needs to be turned into a schedule. Luckily, I have time.