How to Make Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner Easier

Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries and a veggie should be all you need. If you have time to make more, feel free, but don't feel like you should. We Minnesotans are all about the potluck, so don't be afraid to ask your guests to bring something. Just make sure you tell them by today so they have time to prepare.

Potatoes need to heat to about 180 degrees. Microwaves zap your potatoes to 210 degrees in quick fashion. It's also fine to use the microwave to heat your vegetables. The bag steamed vegetables are fantastic. Five minutes in the microwave is all you need.

It's harder to cook a whole turkey because they don't cook evenly. The breast and white meat cooks quicker than the dark meat does, so start the legs and dark meat first, then throw in the breast.

It removes the guess work. The United States Department of Agriculture says turkey needs to cook to 165 degrees to remove bacteria. Just be careful. When it gets that hot, it's easy for the bird to dry out.

It costs about the same whether you make a pumpkin pie or buy it. Both versions taste about the same. Unless you really like making pumpkin pie, then go for it. I also posted a recipe for pumpkin cheesecake that takes about 10 minutes to make. Check it out HERE.