Turkey Tech

I bake the turkey upside down so all the juices seep to the breast. It doesn’t look as pretty when you take it out of the oven, but the meat falls off the bone — and melts in your mouth.
Suzanne Pryor
Spartanburg, South Carolina

For the past 25 years, we’ve cooked our turkey on the grill. It’s my husband’s special part of the holiday, and he goes all out. This method frees up my oven, and I’m able to prepare the remainder of the meal without stressing over the bird. We’re in the Midwest, but even in a blizzard, he still loves to grill that turkey.
Teri Lindquist
Gurnee, Illinois

Multitask. I use celery, carrots, and onions instead of a rack for the turkey. When the turkey is done, the vegetables are, too.
Beth Ramos
Celebration, Florida

I always buy a fresh, not frozen, turkey, so I don’t have to remember to thaw it days in advance. It’s ready to stuff and roast on Thanksgiving morning, and I don’t have to stress, worrying if it’s still a poultry Popsicle.
Erika Lamont
Hilliard, Ohio

Good Things in Store

I like to dress up a store-bought pumpkin pie. I place pecans around the edge and add a dollop of scrumptious cinnamon whipped cream in the center.
Natalie Plummer
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Stop & Shop’s Boston Market Thanksgiving dinner to go. Everything comes in one big box. All I have to do is make my own salad.
Debbie Belland
Dalton, Massachusetts

I always make my mashed potatoes and apple pie from scratch. But for a foolproof meal that actually tastes good, I rely on a fully cooked organic turkey from Whole Foods. It takes only a few hours to heat, but it looks as if I’ve spent the whole day cooking.
Lyndsey Richart
Vallejo, California

Order “homemade” gravy from the local market and just reheat. No more fretting over lumpy gravy when everything else is ready.
Madeline Flaherty
Westbrook, Connecticut

Bring It On

Last year my husband and I went to Cancún, Mexico. We didn’t have to fuss about relatives or overcooking the bird. The resort served us turkey, potatoes, and margaritas — poolside.
Jamie Goudie
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Have fun with it. Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be fancy and all decked out. All you need is friends and family, good food, and, most important, a thankful heart.
Heather Reavley
Zanseville, Ohio

Anywhere but Here

Straight up Route 15, from Maryland to Pennsylvania, to my folks’ house, where a warm turkey, family, and fire welcome us.
Gretchen “Gigi” Goodhart
Rockville, Maryland

I live next door to my grandma, who makes the most delicious Thanksgiving meal. The only shortcut I take is the one I take through her yard.
Danielle Butler
San Diego, California

I volunteer to serve at the local homeless shelter and eat a meal with the residents.
Edie Trent
Tafton, Pennsylvania

Don’t cook. Take your family and friends to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan.
Sharon Ciggelakis
Edison, New Jersey

Reservations…at a nearby restaurant.
Lori Anderson
Brookfield, Wisconsin

Your Turn

What is your most reliable Thanksgiving shortcut? Share your stories here — and read what others have said.