Five Tips For A Stress-Free Holiday by Jennie Olson (NAPSA)—When it comes to creating a delicious Thanksgiving meal, finding ways to save time doesn’t have to be a challenge. Growing up as the daughter of Earl B. Olson, founder of Jennie-O Turkey Store, I have always considered Thanksgiving a very special holiday. Through the years, I have also learned a few tricks of the trade whenit comes to preparing the Turkey Day meal. The following are some of my personal traditions and tips for a memorable meal: Map out a menu. Simply being prepared can reducestress and save time. Keep menus and recipes of Thanksgivings past, present and future in a holiday folder. Indicate cooking times to plan flawless execution. Use napkins to set a decorating theme. Purchase napkins well in advance of Thanksgiving. You may even consider taking one to the florist to create a table arrangement that matches the holiday color scheme. I look for napkins with turkey themes. Update your turkey tradition. Prove the cook is smarter than the turkey. I used to spend up to two days thawing and cleaning the turkey, but recently I’ve started a new time-saving tradition by using a Jennie-O Turkey Store Oven Ready Turkey, which goes directly from the freezer to the oven in minutes with no thaw- ing or cleaning required. Create the setting. Set the table the night before the holiday feast, then label serving dishes so helpers the next day know where side dishes belong. Addfresh Fall flavors. To add a spark to turkey side dishes try a recipe from “Tune Up Turkey Side Dishes: From Drab to Fab.” In this free booklet, top chefs from around the country offer updated versions of classic side dish recipes such as Kaffir Lime and Orange Honey Cranberry Sauce and Chorizo Smashed Potatoes. To order the free recipe booklet, call 1-800-TURKEYSwhile supplies last, or visit www.jennieo.com to download a copy; available through Dec. 31, 2006. Jennie Olson, a 58-year-old mother of three, takes pride in preparing a holiday feast for her family. She is the namesake of the Jennie-O Turkey Store.
