Six Days Until Turkey Day

 I can’t believe it…there are only six days separating us from turkey mishaps, canned yams, boxed stuffing and chewy pie crusts…YIKES!!

I honestly thought that I had one more week before I had to start worrying about when, what and how for Thanksgiving.  Has anyone else been as neglectful?  I mean….I actually still have my calendar on October!

That said, fortunately I have a pretty good idea of what I am making.  Some are repeats from last year.  If I loved it last year then I want to enjoy it again in 2007.  Some dishes I don’t mind mixing it up, But there are some dishes that remind me so much of family and special times that they have to be a part of my table every year.  What about you?  Would you rather keep the Thanksgiving menu full of your standards or do you like attempt a new menu every year?

So, if you are still debating on how you are preparing your turkey this year, debating on what sides to highlight on the Thanksgiving table or you want to do something different with your pumpkin then the sites below should help you out. 

 Epicurious:  They have The Complete Thanksgiving Guide and that is no exaggeration.  They have you covered from appetizers, soups, sides…you name it they got you covered.  They even have ideas for drinks, leftovers, vegetarian menus and recipes Beyond the Bird like Crown Roast of Pork and Panko and Mustard Crusted Rabbit.  I also really love their Planning Guide.  It helps you plot the day without leaving all your work for “The Day”.

Food Network:  The Food Network Thanksgiving 2007 has all those recipes from your favorite Celebrity Chefs.  You can view Food Network fans videos on their family traditions and even upload and share your own.  There is also a Bird is the Word Blog that has helpful hints to make your day a success.  Some of my favorite recipes here are Bobby Flay’s Apple-Sage Glazed Grilled Whole Turkey with Grilled Apples.  I made this last year and WOW…there is no going back.  For dessert I am definitely debating between Tyler Florence’s Bourbon and Chocolate Pecan Pie or Emeril Lagasse’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with Bourbon Spiked Cream.

Martha Stewart:  It is never a holiday without some tips from Martha and this year on Sirius Radio she and her experts will be available for all your Thanksgiving questions for 10 hours on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.  Her site is full of helpful table setting ideas, a variety of Turkey Day Menus and don’t forget to take a peak at what Martha is serving her guests this year.  I think I am going to try her Sweet Potato Spoon Bread.

Food and Wine:  They have a menu guide to suit everyone from the traditionalist to the irreverent, like the Chai-Spiced Caramel Fondue.

Family Fun:  They have great craft ideas to keep your kids busy this weekend and from under foot on the big day.  How about getting your kids off the game system and playing some games.  They also have a some great ideas to make the Kid’s Table a fun place to sit.

Better Homes and Gardens:  They have tips on hosting your first Thanksgiving, helpful hints for having a Potluck Thanksgiving, ideas of Thanksgiving Across America and Thanksgiving with a French Twist.  Now that I think of it, that last one seems a little out of place.

These sites are my standbys for just about every occasion I plan.  They have more information then I can remember and plenty fresh ideas but also a lot of standards.  So, what in on the menu for you this Thanksgiving?