Learn how to stuff and roast the turkey, create creamy gravy, whip up heavenly potatoes, and bake a homemade apple pie.

Getting Started

For some of you, feeding the family at Thanksgiving is as easy as pie. But for those who are uncertain about tackling a turkey dinner, don't panic. We've presented tips for making dishes ahead, garnishing, and selecting the best of seasonal produce to help turn your holiday meal into a memorable feast.

Stuffing the Bird

1. To stuff the neck cavity, place the bird breast side down. Lightly spoon stuffing into the cavity. Pull the neck skin over the opening, then secure to the back of the bird with a skewer.

2. After lightly stuffing the body cavity, tuck the legs under the band of skin crossing the tail, or reset the legs into the leg clamp.

Thermometer and Food Safety

Temperature should be your guide to doneness. To assure that the turkey and stuffing have reached a safe temperature, always use a thermometer when you roast turkey. Because there is no visual test for stuffing doneness, the USDA recommends that you not stuff a turkey if you don't have a thermometer.

Potatoes and Gravy

Mealy potatoes have a dry texture and tend to crumble when cooked, making them perfect for mashing. The most common variety of mealy potatoes is the russet. Purple potatoes, which are becoming more widely available, are also mealy.

Some potatoes, such as the round white and long white potato, and the yellow varieties (Yukon Gold, Finnish Yellow, and Yellow Rose), are considered all-purpose. This means they are suitable for just about any dish.