As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s the perfect time to savor not only the rich flavors of the season but also the warmth of togetherness. This holiday brings us the joy of sharing—from hearty dishes on the table to heartfelt gratitude with those around us.
Game changer tip: Cooking time for a perfect Thanksgiving turkey / capon
Here’s a breakdown for cooking a 7-8 lb turkey, including tips for thawing, preparing, and roasting for optimal results. Following these steps helps produce moist, flavorful meat while maintaining the traditional tenderness of a perfectly cooked turkey.
Thawing: If frozen or partially, let the turkey thaw in the refrigerator for 5 days. This slow thaw ensures even cooking.
Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the turkey to sit, unwrapped and pat dry, at room temperature for 6-8 hours to reach an internal temperature of around 59°F/15°C. This step, especially without brining, keeps the meat tender, saving both energy and cooking time.
Seasoning: Generously season with 25-30 grams of kosher or fine grind grey salt, inside and out. The salt acts as a flavor enhancer and a heat conductor.
Roasting: Roast the turkey in a preheated 330°F/160°C fan oven for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F/68°C.
Resting: After roasting, let the turkey rest for 2 hours or more. During this time, the residual heat will continue to cook the bird, raising the internal temperature to 170°F/76°C, which ensures juiciness.
Carving: Once rested, carve and enjoy!
Did you know? 3 Thanksgivings' fun facts to share
The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t Exactly a Feast: The original Thanksgiving in 1621, celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans, wasn’t the grand feast we imagine today. It was a three-day gathering featuring some wild game, seafood, and local harvests, but without many of the classic dishes like pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, or even roasted turkey. The menu likely included deer, corn, shellfish, and squash. The event was less about the food and more about gratitude and mutual respect.
The TV Dinner Was Born from Thanksgiving Leftovers: In 1953, the food company Swanson accidentally ordered too many turkeys—260 tons too many! To prevent waste, they repackaged the turkey with sides like corn-bread stuffing and peas in a tray, creating the first frozen “TV dinner.” This convenience meal was a hit and marked the beginning of frozen meals as we know them today.
Thanksgiving Once Had a Competitive Spin: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, “Thanksgiving Masking” was a popular tradition, where children and even adults would dress up in costumes—similar to Halloween—and go door to door for treats or coins. In New York City, this custom grew into something called “Ragamuffin Day,” with kids dressing up in “ragged” costumes. The tradition faded as Thanksgiving became more closely associated with family gatherings and meals but lives on as an interesting chapter in holiday history.
The Thanksgiving stars : Turkey or Capon
While turkey is the traditional symbol of Thanksgiving, many families also prepare capon (usually stuffed) for this meal of sharing. Here, I’m sharing my step-by-step recipe
Setting the perfect Thanksgiving table: warmth, colors, and gratitude
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food it’s about the atmosphere, the stories shared around the table, and the feeling of gratitude that fills the room. This year, bring that spirit to life with a table that celebrates both abundance and simplicity.
Start with natural textures: a linen or cotton tablecloth in warm neutral tones creates the perfect backdrop. Add a soft table runner (think terracotta, sage green, or burnt orange) to capture the beauty of autumn. Layer your plates, mix rustic ceramics with golden cutlery, and let candlelight dance across the table for a soft, inviting glow.
For the centerpiece, nature does all the work. Combine mini pumpkins, eucalyptus branches, pinecones, and seasonal fruits in a low arrangement that allows everyone to see each other. Add a few flickering candles, and you have instant coziness.
Don’t forget the small details that make guests feel special: handwritten place cards tied to napkins with twine, a leaf or sprig of herbs for a fragrant touch, and maybe a little note of gratitude at each setting.
A beautifully decorated Thanksgiving table isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and full of heart. After all, that’s what this celebration is truly about
What to drink at Thanksgiving: perfect pairings for your turkey dinner
Thanksgiving is a celebration of flavors from roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. The right drink can make each bite even more memorable.
For wine lovers, a Pinot Noir is the classic choice: light, fruity, and elegant enough to complement the turkey without overpowering it. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay or a Viognier, whose round, buttery notes match beautifully with roasted dishes and autumn spices.
Looking for something sparkling? A dry Champagne or crisp cider brings freshness to the table and pairs wonderfully with the richness of the meal.
And for a non-alcoholic twist, serve a spiced apple and ginger mocktail or a cranberry-orange spritz ( both festive, fragrant, and full of Thanksgiving spirit).
Whatever you pour, the secret is simple: choose something that feels warm, generous, and made to be shared — just like the holiday itself.
1 thought on “How to prepare a perfect Thanksgiving feast”
Hello Chef, how did you cook the chest nuts in the photo next to the Turkey. We have them at my Work and Nobody knows how to Cook them there good.