Sunset's Thanksgiving guide
• Thanksgiving basics
• Thanksgiving 911
• Four favorite Thanksgiving menus
• Vegetarian holiday menu
• Perfect turkey
• Essential gravy
• Best dressings
• Soups and appetizers
• Standout sides
• The best mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato appeal
• Holiday cranberries
• Festive desserts
• Great wines for Thanksgiving
• Thank goodness for leftovers
 
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Sunset's Thanksgiving guide

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Turkey thermometer
Thomas J. Story
Insert the thermometer through the thickest part of the breast to the bone.
Thanksgiving basics
Roasting chart, carving guide, and other preparation essentials

Types of turkeys
Pick the perfect bird

Turkey roasting chart and tips
Our tried-and-true techniques for turkey

Turkey carving guide
Step-by-step slideshow

Cooking thermometer tactics
How to test whether yours is accurate

Tips on cooking with wine
Expert guidelines and cooking-wine picks

Make pie crust without fear
Get a flaky, buttery crust every time

Three different menus tailored to the size of your gathering
An intimate meal for 2, dinner for 6-8, and a full-scale feast for 12

11 Thanksgiving do-ahead tips
Avoid stress with these time-saving steps

Thanksgiving 911
8 easy ways to avoid the most common Turkey Day disasters

MORE: 2005 Thanksgiving recipe contest winners
From herb-rubbed turkey and Southwest stuffing to our surprising grand prize winner

Have a question? Want to talk turkey?
Share tips, advice, and recipes with fellow foodies on the Sunset Forums

Published: November 2006