Turkey
Obviously, a Thanksgiving dinner centers on this, so putting a little extra effort into it might be worth the time. Make sure to check and double-check that you have all the ingredients before you start and this centerpiece should sail smoother than the Mayflower.

1. 12 lb. turkey

1. 3/4 cup olive oil

1. 2 tablespoons garlic powder

1. 2 teaspoons dried basil

1. 1 teaspoon ground sage

1. 1 teaspoon salt

1. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. 2 cups water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. After cleaning the turkey, place it in a covered roasting pan.

Combine all other ingredients other than the water in a small bowl and brush on the outside of the turkey. Pour water in the bottom of the roasting pan.

Bake for three to three and a half hours. Remove from oven and let sit for 30 minutes. Carve and enjoy.

Source: allrecipes.com

Potatoes
While instant mashed potatoes are well and good, adding one more recipe straight from scratch makes everything a little bit better.

1. 2 1/2 lbs. Russet potatoes (cut into 1-inch blocks, it comes out to about 8 cups)

1. 1/4 cup milk

1. 1/4 cup butter or margarine

1. 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1. 1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a large pot, place potatoes and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 20 minutes. Make sure potatoes are tender. Drain pot. Mash the potatoes using any method. For smoothest results, a ricer or blender works well. Transfer to a larger bowl and add remaining ingredients. Beat until correct texture.

Source: about.com

Pumpkin cake
Let’s face it. Not all of us have the culinary skill required to make a pie, let alone one people would want to eat.

So, perhaps a cake would be more in order to keep the holiday spirit intact and the stress outside.

1. 1 package spice cake mix

1. 15 ounce canned pumpkin

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13 inch square pan. Mix together the cake mix and the pumpkin until combined. Pour in pan.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean. Allow to cool and serve. Add ice cream for added deliciousness.

Source: allrecipes.com