Do-Ahead Timeline

This timeline shows you how far in advance food preparation for the menu can take place. Following these tips allows maximum time with your guests and minimum fuss.

• Prepare rub for turkey. Cover and set aside.
• Prepare Crunchy Party Mix, cool, place in an airtight container, and freeze.
• Prepare a double recipe of Deep-Dish Pie Pastry for Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Pie. Wrap well and freeze.

• Toast and chop nuts for sweet potatoes and freeze.

• Thaw piecrust in refrigerator.
• Chop celery and onion for stuffing. Cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare green bean bake through step 1.
• Bake Candied Sweet Potatoes, omitting nuts, and cool. Cover and refrigerate.

• Spread rub under turkey skin. Cover and refrigerate turkey.
• Bake Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Pies. Cover and refrigerate.
• Thaw Crunchy Party Mix at room temperature.

• Prepare stuffing and place in casserole. Cover and refrigerate.
• Bring pumpkin pies to room temperature.

• Start to heat oil in turkey fryer.
• Bring green bean casserole to room temperature.
• Bring stuffing to room temperature.
• Bring sweet potatoes to room temperature.

• Fry turkey.
• Bake stuffing in a 350-degree oven.

• Bake green bean casserole in a 350-degree oven.
• Reheat sweet potatoes in 350-degree oven, then add nuts (or bake with mini marshmallows if using).

• Let turkey rest before carving.