Once you’ve selected your menu and collected all the recipes, purchase all non-perishables ahead of time (Check the local newspaper and web sites for holiday food coupons and grocery store bargains!)
Shop for fresh items (perishables) on your final shopping trip.
Remember to order your turkey in advance! A frozen turkey should be timed for pickup so it can go straight into the refrigerator to thaw. Plan on 24 hours for each 4-1/2 pounds of whole turkey. A fresh turkey should only be picked up one or two days in advance.
Food Safety Shopping Lists
Download the Perishable Shopping List
Download the Non-Perishable Shopping List
Download the Safety Shopping List
Be sure you have on hand these basic food safety tools to ensure a safe and tasty feast. Check your kitchen first for these basics:
CLEAN
- Unscented liquid bleach or sanitizing spray
- Clean sponges
- Clean towels
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Brush for cleaning fruits and vegetables under running water
SEPARATE
- (2) clean cutting boards – (1) for meat, poultry and seafood; (1) for fruits and vegetables
- Large rimmed baking sheet to put under turkey in refrigerator
COOK
- Accurate food thermometer (more on types of thermometers here)
- Aluminum foil to tent resting turkey
CHILL
- Appliance thermometers (1) for refrigerator; (1) for freezer
- Kitchen timer to set as reminder to put food in the refrigerator
- Shallow containers with lids for leftovers
- Food labels for containers
- Plastic wrap and storage bags