Cestari Table Talk

Quote Of The Day

"Good food brings people together, adding warmth and joy to every gathering. It's the secret ingredient that turns a simple meal into a cherished memory."

🦃Are You Ready?🥧

~A Few Words From Susan~

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!

The more prep you can do ahead of time the easier Thanksgiving morning will be. Two things I like to do before the holiday are to get stock ready for the gravy and make my cranberry sauce. Both can be tucked away in the freezer and thawed without any loss of flavor.

I'm sharing a video I made about making easy vegetable stock with scraps, and my secret to super cranberry sauce.

I hope you enjoy them.

Best,

Susan

Trivia Question❓

In the classic Thanksgiving dish, green bean casserole, what popular canned food item is typically used as an ingredient?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Secret To Gravy Better Than Mom's

Homemade stock is much easier than you think - learn about how to always have tasty stock on hand here! (The bonus?...it's not only easy, but FREE, too!)

Tip of the Day

Tip of The Day

One tip for Thanksgiving food is to brine your turkey for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Start by dissolving kosher salt and sugar in a pot of boiling water, then add aromatic herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage.

Allow the brine to cool completely before placing the turkey in a large brining bag and pouring the brine over it.

Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours, before rinsing and roasting.

This simple step will ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey that your guests will rave about!

Cranberry Sauce With a Difference

Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and so much better than the canned variety! The basic recipe is to combine 1 12 ounce bag of cranberries, 1 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer at low heat for 10-120 minutes until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens. Cool and refrigerate until needed. If you are making it several days ahead, you can even freeze it with no loss of flavor.

While the basic version is great, you can turn it into something special by swapping out the water for something with a bit more flavor. I like to use apple cider, but you can also use orange juice, wine, pomegranate juice, or whatever strikes your fancy!

Martha Stewart's Turkey Day Timeline

The Ultimate Guide to Organizing and Executing a Flawless Thanksgiving Gathering

This comprehensive Thanksgiving timeline from Martha Stewart provides a step-by-step guide to help you flawlessly organize and execute a memorable Thanksgiving gathering.

From weeks ahead to the very day, this article breaks down the essential tasks, including planning the menu, creating shopping and cooking schedules, as well as offering helpful tips and tricks to stay organized and ensure that all elements, from the perfect turkey to beautiful table settings, come together seamlessly.