Preparing for Thanksgiving Early

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I would like to pre-make some of my Thanksgiving dinner this summer and freeze. I only have a few days off for Thanksgiving. That leaves me days, for the entire holiday break, to drive from TX to NM, cook, eat, socialize, and get back to school. I will only have 1 day to pre-pare for a big meal for my kids, grandkids, and possibly in-laws. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can cook ahead and freeze? I do know that I can make the cornbread ahead and freeze for the dressing. Would sauteed onions and celery be good cooked ahead? Any other ideas?

[cat lover]

DeBora, I have never done it this much ahead of time so maybe someone else can answer that part. When I worked I did prepare several of my dishes ahead and freeze them though. I made my stuffing completely and had it in casseroles covered with foil and then it was put frozen into a slow oven to gradually cook on Thanksgiving day. Never had any problems with that, but like I said I might have done these 4 weeks ahead so not sure about longer. I cooked my turkey and sliced it and froze it and then thawed in the refrigerator a few days before Thanksgiving.Made my piecrusts ahead and froze them and then prepared the fillings a couple days prior and baked them. Made my turkey gravy and froze it. Cooked a large pot of seasoned green beans and froze them. Other casseroles I made a few days ahead and refrigerated them. Potaotes for mashed got ready the day before and just covered them with water till ready to cook the next day. Cranberry sauce is easy whether you use can or make your own. Homemade ice cream a couple months in advance. That is about all I can tell you on it, anyone else?