Recipe(tried): Freeze Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes - Ideas for Dee

Hi Dee,

Which island are you on? I'm on Oahu!

Some cook-and-freeze-ahead ideas for Thanksgiving dinner. I've tried some of these as make-aheads, some with leftovers:

->Candied yams freeze well. I use my grandma's recipe, basically boil sweet potatoes in their jackets unil almost tender. Let cool enough to handle, then peel and slice 1/4" thick. Layer in a casserole, sprinkling heavily with dark brown sugar (must be dark brown!) in between layers and on top. Bake until glazed and bubbly. If freezing and reheating, let cool completely, cover with foil, then reheat, covered, until hot (may be microwaved to reheat if you cover with plastic wrap).

-> Many vegetables freeze well. Undercook slightly before freezing. Try to avoid recipes that use cream (which separates in freezing). Or, for last-minute elegant touches: heat frozen brussels sprouts, add butter and toasted pine nuts; heat frozen peas, add butter and chopped fresh mint. Corn kernels are always good at Thanksgiving, too.

-> Pies freeze well. Cover with foil and bake to reheat.

-> I've frozen leftover stuffing successfully. Sprinkle with a few drops of water and reheat in the microwave, fluffing with a fork.

Don't turn down any offers from guests who'd like to bring a dish! Also, Costco sells great tarts and pies for dessert, St. Germain's bakery (if you're on Oahu), makes wonderful pumpkin pie, and someone once gave us a delicious Redondo's smoked whole turkey (which we ended up eating after Thanksgiving as we'd already bought a fresh one).

Best wishes!
Susan, Hawaii