DiscussionsHassle-free Holidays and Simple Entertaining Tips

Pulling off a holiday dinner can be daunting, huh? I guess I’m always scurrying at the last minute, but over the years, I’ve managed to be less stressed by planning everything – EVERYTHING – well in advance. My favorite tip is to put my two slow-cookers to use keeping things warm, so it frees up more space on the stove. I usually have mashed potatoes in one and a veggie in another.  What helps keep the stress down at your house?

I have cooked the turkey the day before for several years now. I put it in a slower cooker Thanksgiving morning then with the broth poured over it. It tastes moist this way and sure helps with the cleanup.  I love to make use of slow cookers as well whenever possible.

i  have never tryed fixing my turkey that way but im sure going to try it. i have to use a wheelchair and its hard to get  done on time.      i also want to try the pumpkin pie  with toastedmarshmellows  on top

Hello

We also use the crock pots to put mashed potatoes in on Thanksgiving morn.  They will stay warm all day until you need them and the stress of having to mash them at the last minute is a life savor.  We also have tried using roasters to keep them warm,  However they seem to get a little to warm by the time dinner is served.  Also,  try using coffee crafe to keep the gravy warm,,,  works great and no worries about cold gravey,,,,,,

Regards,

Luv2cook

Do you use the low setting for the mashed potatoes?

Yes you just use a low setting....  On some of the newer crock pots they have a warming setting,, 

i have about 30 for thanksgiving and a niece always brings the mashed potatoes in her crockpot.  we also add sour cream to them and you can't taste it and keeps the texture good. it sure helps peeling and mashing them at dinner time.  i always do my ham in the crockpot and always cook the turkey the night before and place in the crockpot the next morning.  mess is out of the way and can enjoy the company better.

I love that idea..I use my crock pot lots but never once give thoughts of mashing my pototoes ahead..It sure would free up time and space--thanks--good idea--Pat7532---NH

Hi, I am also a great fan of slow cookers and use mine at least 3 times a week.  I started warming up my mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving morning in one of my crockpots about 8 years ago when the stress of everything overwhelmed me.  My first experiment turned out to be successful and I've done it ever since.  The first time I was having about 15 for dinner, so I made about 8 pounds of potatoes the day before.  On Thanksgiving morning at about 10 AM, I stuck the potatoes, one cup of milk and one stick of butter in the pot and turned it on low.  We ate at 3:00 and everybody raved about the potatoes.  I also made my 5 pound ham in one crockpot and my carrot receipt in another.  Hurrah for slow cookers!

Talk about easing your stress!  I cook my TURKEY in the crockpot.  Granted, it's only my husband and me at holidays.  I buy a bone-in turkey breast, cut off the bottom ribs, wash it and plop it in the crockpot (I have a large oval one), with no liquid.  I cook on High for 5 hours for an 8-9 lb breast.  It is the best turkey I have ever had!  It's done completely and as moist as anyone would want.  And the juice at the bottom of the crockpot is double-strength, so making gravy is extra flavorful.  We have "Thanksgiving" dinner at least 4 times a year because it's so good.  And I can do it on weeknights.  Imagine coming home to turkey and dressing on a Monday night - it's wonderful!