Ep 41. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving

In this episode of The Chew, the hosts are preparing for Thanksgiving with a focus on make-ahead dishes. The episode starts with a discussion about different ways viewers can prepare for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal. Hosts Carla Hall, Mario Batali, Michael Symon, and Clinton Kelly each have their own make-ahead dish that they demonstrate to the audience.

Carla Hall begins by preparing a chorizo and cornbread stuffing that can be made ahead of time and frozen until ready for use. She explains that freezing the stuffing helps the flavors develop and infuse into the bread. She also acknowledges that everyone has their own favorite stuffing recipe and encourages viewers to experiment and make it their own.

Next, Mario Batali shares his recipe for a make-ahead cranberry sauce. He uses fresh cranberries combined with orange juice, zest, honey, and a dash of cinnamon to create a sauce that can be prepared up to three days in advance. He emphasizes that this recipe is easy to customize and viewers can use whatever spices or liquids they prefer in their cranberry sauce.

Michael Symon then demonstrates how to make a make-ahead pumpkin pie. He starts by creating a homemade crust and blind baking it before making the filling. He uses pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, and spices to make the filling, which can be made two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Lastly, Clinton Kelly shows viewers how to make a make-ahead gravy. He explains that it can be time-consuming to make gravy on the day of Thanksgiving, so he prefers to make it ahead and freeze it until ready for use. He starts by making a roux and deglazing the pan with chicken stock. He then adds some vegetables and herbs and simmers the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. Once cooled, it can be frozen until Thanksgiving day.

Throughout the episode, the hosts also provide other helpful tips and tricks for a successful Thanksgiving, such as making sure there is enough space in the refrigerator for all the make-ahead dishes and organizing a timeline for cooking all the dishes on Thanksgiving day.

The episode ends with the hosts sharing what they are thankful for this year. They express gratitude for their families, friends, and for the opportunity to be part of The Chew. They also remind viewers to take a moment to reflect on what they are thankful for and to share that gratitude with others.

Overall, this episode of The Chew provides viewers with helpful recipes and tips to make Thanksgiving meal planning easier and less stressful. The hosts' enthusiasm and positivity make it an enjoyable watch, and viewers are sure to come away with some useful ideas for their own Thanksgiving celebrations.