Today I opened my index card box to prepare for Thanksgiving Dinner. I needed to go to the market to gather the tasty ingredients for our dinner.

I pulled out the list that I’ve been using since 2006. That was the second year that we made the whole thanksgiving dinner alone. It was the first year we wrote it all down.

I made a list:

• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Potatoes
• Yams
• Corn Pudding
• Rolls
• Pea Salad
• Make Ahead Salad
• Pies
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce, &
• Potato Salad

Next to each of these is a small box to put a check when accomplished.

Next to the box is the tic items i.e.

Stuffing –

• Make Cornbread w/o sugar
• Dry White Bread in Cubes
• Bake Giblets

The next column has 350 one hour.

Each item has the tic items of what to do – how long – which burner, and what day – Tues, Weds, Thursday.

I didn’t sit down and just write the list based on experience, I kept a running list of what I did do in 2005. Then, in 2006 I made a master list. It turned out so well that I did the same thing for Easter Dinner. The next step was to re-write the recipes. I re-wrote them on plain index cards to put with the list. No searching for extra recipes, they are all in the HOLIDAY MEAL section of my index box.

If you are new to making the holiday dinner this year – or if you’ve done it 20 times – write it down. It will help you remember – or  – give you something to pass on to that daughter in law in the future. ; )

Pies this year you ask? Texas Pecan, Cherry and my moms Strawberry Dream Whip Jello Pie. Oh – and my Sister’s Fresh Canned sweet squash for a pie. 🙂 Oh Ya. There be pies a plenty. Maybe Apple if I get bored. Pics to follow.