11-23-2022 4:02am

STRESS-FREE TURKEY DAY?

Ways to Keep Your Thanksgiving Stress-Free This Year

Despite all our best intentions, the week (and most definitely the day) leading up to the Thanksgiving feast always feels like a mad dash. Sure, we’d like a whole week of nothingness to prepare for hosting our family and friends, but that’s unfortunately not the reality. Those precious minutes to prep are few and far between pretty much always and this truth is heightened during the holiday season. We’ll take all the favors we can get this time of year to ensure Thanksgiving is as stress-free as possible. That’s why we lean on McCormick. The spice and herb brand has been a tried and true brand and an integral part of family traditions for over 130 years—they inspire cooks of all levels to make delectable food for their loved ones during Thanksgiving (and, for that matter, beyond!). The McCormick Flavor Maker app even helps you build a digital pantry and save recipes, offers cooking tips, and more.

McCormick executive chef Hadar Cohen Aviram let us in on a few secrets to hosting a show-stopping holiday meal without the stress, and let me tell you: They’re the key to ensuring this will be your best Thanksgiving yet.

1. Prioritize, Prep, Focus

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you have loads of dishes to make from scratch. Instead, prioritize the Thanksgiving dishes that are important to you, and opt for simple recipes and shortcuts for the rest. “Plan to invest most of your time in the two to three recipes that make or break the holiday for you and your family, and keep the rest simple and straightforward, without compromising on flavor,” Hadar suggests. “For example, take time to work on your turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, then use trusted, easy recipes for the rest. McCormick’s Candied Sweet Potato Casserole or Signature Pumpkin Pie is a delicious, easy recipe to have up your sleeve, and our timeless McCormick Turkey Gravy Seasoning Mix is a true and trusted time saver.”

2. Break Recipes Into Bite-Sized Tasks

“Work recipe steps into your day-to-day, at least three days in advance. I mean, who has three to four hours straight to work on anything these days?” says Hadar. By breaking up recipes into manageable mini-tasks, FINISH READING HERE