Preparing to Shop

So today is the big day. Today is the day when I make the trip to the grocery store to stock up for the week of cooking to come. In order to make sure I don't miss anything, I make out my entire menu, as I discussed in my last post, and then the ingredients needed. I do not necessarily list out the measurements, but at least the items so that I make sure to consider all needs when making out my shopping list. Here is what I mean.

Turkey: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Poultry Seasoning, Chicken Broth

Ham: Ham, Brown Sugar, Pineapple Rings

Stuffing: Dried Stuffing Mix, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chicken Broth, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Sage, Chopped Mushrooms, Chopped Onions, Egg

Gravy: Turkey Drippings, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Broth

Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, Butter, Whole Milk, Salt, Pepper

Deviled Eggs: Eggs, Vinegar, Relish, Mustard, Mayo, Paprika

Creamed Corn: Corn, Butter, Milk, Salt, Pepper, Sugar

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet Potatoes, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter

Green Beans: Green Beans, Oil, Salt, Pepper, Beef Broth Powder

Rolls: Dry Yeast, Honey, Butter, Salt, Eggs, Flour

Cranberry Relish: Cranberries, Orange Juice, Sugar

Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie: Pie Shell, Solid-Packed Pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt, Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter, Pecans

Sour Cream Pound Cake: Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Sugar, Vanilla, Sour Cream, Eggs, Butter, Shortening

Extras: Whipped Cream, Unsweetened Tea

By laying out everything as I did above, I make sure that everything is covered. For example, when I was making out the list, I thought I was finished and then suddenly realized I had forgotten the gravy and stuffing, which would have been a travesty in my family! 

Another great tip is to print unfamiliar recipes to make sure you are purchasing enough of the ingredients as you make out the shopping list. Don't forget to check you pantry, freezer, and spice rack for items in case you are running low. Nothing is worse than being elbow-deep in fixing a turkey and realizing you don't have aluminum foil to tent the bird or salt to season it! 

Plan now and Thanksgiving will be a breeze!