A ranch Thanksgiving

These steps are based on the time it takes one person with one oven to prepare this meal.

UP TO A WEEK AHEAD

• Bake cranberry sauce.

AT LEAST 3 DAYS AHEAD

• Bake spicy herb nuts.
• Put frozen turkey in the refrigerator to thaw.

UP TO 2 DAYS AHEAD

• Shop for all other ingredients and turkey, if fresh.
• Bake cornbread for dressing.
• Prepare yeast dough for rolls.

UP TO 1 DAY AHEAD

• Assemble dressing and chill if the turkey will be stuffed. Or put dressing in casserole and chill.
• Make salad dressing, toast nuts for salad, and crisp salad greens.
• Cook and peel onions; string and shell peas.
• Make and thicken broth for gravy.
• Bake rolls.
• Bake apple pie, purchased frozen or made from a favorite recipe. Or make a grand holiday dessert.