The Ultimate Thanksgiving Survival Guide

MENUS: simple to showstopping

No matter what kind of Thanksgiving cook you are, you've come to the right place. Wondering where to begin? For total ease, try one of our menus, complete with shopping lists and timelines. Regardless of whether you have four hours or forty-eight, whether your guest list is small or large, we've got the solution for you:

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  Make the big day a breeze with our Mostly Make-Ahead menu.
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  Cooking for a crowd? Try our Special Vineyard Thanksgiving menu, with a timeline that makes it all manageable.

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  If you're just having a few guests, our Intimate Thanksgiving menu, starring stuffed boneless turkey breast, is the perfect solution.
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  Even procrastinators can put a delicious dinner on the table with our Feast in Four Hours menu.

RECIPES

If you'd rather create your own menu, choose from more than 50 recipes in our Thanksgiving collection. Browse the list on the left of this page, or try one of our favorites below.

Brined Turkey with Sage-Butter Rub.

Turkey and Gravy

• Brined Turkey with Sage-Butter Rub
• Juicy Roast Turkey
• Dry-Brined Roasted Turkey
• Cranberry-Honey Glazed Chicken
• Turkey with Cider-Thyme Gravy
• Stuffed Turkey Breast
• Maple-Brined Grilled Turkey
• Classic Pan Gravy
• Gravy with Cream, Cognac & Thyme

Sautéed Butternut Squash with Walnuts & Parsley

Stuffing and Sides

• Sautéed Butternut Squash with Walnuts & Parsley
• Cornbread-Sausage Stuffing
• Wild Rice, Apple & Sourdough Stuffing
• Classic Potato Gratin
• Spicy Sweet Potatoes with Orange & Honey
• Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts & Lemon
• Whipped Yukon Golds with Horseradish
• Cranberry Citrus Compote

Chocolate Espresso Pecan Pie

Desserts

• Chocolate Espresso Pecan Pie
• Caramel Pumpkin Pie
• Apple Cider Pie
• Autumn Fruit Pie
• Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Gingersnap Crust
• Bourbon-Sweet Potato Pie
• Pear, Cherry & Apricot Crisp
• Pumpkin & Ginger Poundcake 

Video: Carving a Roast Turkey

VIDEO: Turkey Techniques

Learn expert cooking techniques with FineCooking.com's exclusive videos on demand. Our editors walk you step-by-step through the process of preparing a delicous Thanksgiving meal.

How to Truss a Turkey
Learn this great method for creating an attractive compact shape

Flavor a Roast Turkey with Butter
Dress up the flavor of a roast turkey by putting a flavored butter underneath the skin

Making Gravy from Pan Drippings
Use the turkey drippings and your roasting pan to make a delicious Thanksgiving gravy

How to Carve a Turkey
Learn two techniques: one for carving at the table, and one for carving in the kitchen.