I love teaching on Entertaining at Home. Over the past two years our Cooking Classes have been helping hundreds find their joy in the kitchen. From time to time, I take on a few bespoke private chef requests and elite catering for intimate gatherings of under 15 persons. These are some of my best tips for making the meal prep process as smooth and stress free as possible during thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you are looking to add some zest to your hoildays, here are some of my best recipes to have a Caribbean infused Thanksgiving.

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Chef tips for a stress free Thanksgiving.

Plan ahead. Organization is key. Get a notebook or use a device and take notes.
Assess dietary restrictions of your guests. That should inform your menu choices.
It’s wise to have several vegetarian and even vegan sides.
It’s also wise to have as many make ahead dishes as possible. Dessert and your appetiser should definitely be made ahead.
Always serve a light appetiser and drinks. It helps to buy you time if things are running behind.
Print all recipes or screen shot them or download them.
Review all recipes to be made. Create ingredient list with amounts. Review your fridge and pantry and subtract the amounts you have. That will become your shopping list.
Asses what equipment and tools you will need for your preparation. You can best recipes to have a Caribbean infused Thanksgiving.
Never underestimate the power of great mixing bowls. Ever. Get one set in glass and another in stainless steel. Pure food prep joy, I tell you.
Get ample food storage containers for leftovers.
And buy some food storage you don’t mind parting with to give to guests, because face it, you won’t be seeing them again.
These shelves are also great to increase storage area in the fridge while still allowing safe air flow.
Do not wait until last minute to food shop. Try going about 4 days prior.
Get the turkey now. Do not wait because if there is a shortage, you do not need that drama. Plus it will need to start defrosting days before in the fridge so it remains safe to eat.
Follow my timeline for your Turkey preparation and method for the tastiest and juiciest turkey ever.
Whilst prepping, keep safety your highest priority. Keep surfaces clean. Clean with a bleach cleaner. Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and poultry and knives to avoid cross contamination.
Turn the fridge a few degrees cooler if it is packed with food to ensure food safety.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover your hair to avoid them in the food.
Wear an apron.
Clean the kitchen from the night before so you start with a clean kitchen.
Arise at 5am.
Remove your already defrosted and marinated turkey from the fridge so that it can get to room temperature.
Sharpen your knives. Or this is a good time to get a good set.
Do mise en place en mas. Eg: So you can peel potatoes and just cover them in water to stop browning until you are ready for them.
Choose the right person to help you in the kitchen. You want someone who can at least help you clean and wash up as you go. This makes ALL the difference.
Get sternos and I would strongly advise you to invest in a set of chafing dishes to keep food at optimal temperature.
Covered Cast iron pots are also great because the retain heat well.
Keep yourself in good spirits while cooking. Whatever you are feeling, people will be eating, so enjoy the time making the meals and pour out generous doses of love in the food.
Everyone should help clear the table and wash the dishes.
Put away leftovers quickly in the fridge.
End with a clean kitchen.

Stress Free Thanksgiving Bonus Recipe:

Here is my recipe to spice up your turkey with my authentic and original Jerk Turkey seasoning blend that makes enough to be able to gift 1-2 more persons.