GREENSBORO, N.C. — 2 Wants To Know asked artificial intelligence to help plan the perfect Thanksgiving. Here's the shopping list, recipes, and schedules Chat GPT created to serve a Thanksgiving meal for 7 people at 3 pm:
Shopping List:
Produce:
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Pumpkin (if making a pumpkin pie)
Dairy:
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Cheese (for appetizers or a cheese platter)
Bakery:
• Dinner rolls or bread for stuffing
• Pie crusts (if not making from scratch)
Meat
:• Turkey (calculate about 1.5 pounds per person)
• Bacon (for Brussels sprouts or other dishes)
Pantry:
• Flour
• Chicken or turkey broth
• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Spices: salt, pepper, sage, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
Canned Goods:
• Cranberry sauce
• Pumpkin puree (if making a pumpkin pie)
• Chicken or turkey gravy (optional)
Miscellaneous:
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking twine
• Roasting pan
• Thermometer
Recipes:
Roast Turkey: Follow the instructions on the turkey packaging for cooking times and temperatures. You can season it with a mix of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled and diced potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Sweet Potato Casserole: Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and top with a pecan streusel.
Green Bean Almondine: Blanch green beans, sauté with butter and sliced almonds. Season with salt and pepper.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Saute halved Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon until crispy. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuffing: Saute onions, celery, and garlic in butter. Mix with cubed bread, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cranberry Sauce: Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer until the cranberries burst.
Gravy: Make a roux with butter and flour. Whisk in chicken or turkey broth until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Pumpkin Pie: Mix pumpkin puree with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and eggs. Pour into a pie crust and bake. Remember to adjust portions based on the number of guests and your preferences. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal!
Schedule:
1 Week Before Thanksgiving: •Plan your menu and make a detailed shopping list. • Check your kitchen supplies and make sure you have all the necessary equipment.
3-4 Days Before Thanksgiving:• Shop for non-perishable items and any ingredients that can be stored for a few days.• Make any dishes that can be prepared in advance and stored, such as cranberry sauce.
2 Days Before Thanksgiving:• Shop for fresh produce, turkey, and any other perishable items.• Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator if it's frozen.• Prepare and refrigerate any side dishes that can be made ahead of time.
1 Day Before Thanksgiving:• Brine the turkey if desired.• Prepare any side dishes that can be partially cooked or prepped in advance.• Set the table and make sure you have all the necessary serving dishes and utensils.
Thanksgiving Day (aiming to eat at 3 pm):
• 8:00 am: Begin roasting the turkey. Plan for approximately 15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
• 10:30 am: Prepare and cook side dishes that require baking or roasting. For example, bake the sweet potato casserole and Brussels sprouts with bacon. Keep dishes warm in the oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C).
• 11:30 am: Start boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes. Simultaneously, sauté ingredients for stuffing on the stovetop.
• 12:00 pm: Continue cooking side dishes like green bean almondine on the stovetop.
• 12:30 pm: Finish mashed potatoes and keep warm. Take out any pre-made dishes from the refrigerator to come to room temperature before reheating.
• 1:00 pm: Remove the turkey from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest. This allows the juices to be redistributed.
• 1:30 pm: Reheat any pre-made dishes in the oven, including stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and Brussels sprouts.
• 2:00 pm: Make gravy using the turkey drippings. Carve the turkey.
• 2:30 pm: Set up all the dishes on the table for a beautiful Thanksgiving spread.
This schedule should help you serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal at 3 pm. Adjust the timing as needed based on your cooking pace and equipment. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration!