November 2001 (Newstream) -- Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and for most of us it's a time of joy, but for those of us who do the cooking it could be a time of stress. However, there are ways to keep your time in the kitchen to a minimum.
One rule to remember is: you don't have to make everything from scratch. Those who are cooking can save time in the kitchen by combining fresh ingredients with quality prepared foods. When you're preparing the turkey for roasting, use a disposable pan. You will find it saves valuable clean?up time and there is less of a mess.
Even the way your table setting is laid out can save some time. Instead of the traditional sit-down dinner, try a buffet. Many guests will find this an enjoyable change to a seating plan and even more thrilled when they realize they are not interrupted to pass the butter each time they go to take a bite of food. To save time washing dishes, use decorative paper plates and napkins.
If you are cooking this holiday remember you can also knock some time off your shopping schedule by making two lists ... one for items that can be purchased up to two weeks in advance and the other for the day before Thanksgiving. Most of all, remember the holidays are a time for family and friends, not stress.
