The Small Town Chef

A Game Plan for First-Timers, Couples, and Crowds Thanksgiving has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're thinking, “We've got time,” and the next you’re staring at a grocery cart full of random items wondering how many onions is too many onions. Whether you’re cooking your very first Thanksgiving, keeping it small, or feeding an entire neighborhood, the whole thing can feel like a lot. I’ve been through every version of it, and even for someone who cooks constantly, my first time leading the charge was overwhelming. What saved me? Planning…and a good sense of humor.   Start With a Game Plan (and Your Shopping Lists) Before anything else, sit down and write out what you want to make. Keep it realistic, especially if you’re new to this. Once the menu’s set, break your shopping into three smaller lists —trust me, it makes the whole week feel lighter:   1. The 10-days Before Shopping List
 Grab the stuff that won’t disappear from shelves or spoil: flour, sugar, brot...