LC vs. Cuisinart cookware

I had a similar problem with the Cuisinart. It made it home alright, but after about three uses I watched in horror as the enamel raised and chipped off in the middle of use. This happened last night. I have no idea where the receipt is and am trying to figure out if I can get it replaced. Not pleased : (

jesuisawesome in Cookware

Searching for some words of wisdom for a Thanksgiving tenderfoot.

It's a 20 pound fresh turkey (picking it up the tuesday before) and i'm cooking the stuffing on the side.
I'm a little nervous, because I'm cooking at their house and not my own, but I'm bringing my own tools, which should be a little bit of a security blanket.

jesuisawesome in Home Cooking

Searching for some words of wisdom for a Thanksgiving tenderfoot.

First of all, thank you everyone for taking the time to respond to this. I can honestly say this is already making me feel better. I really like the idea of a time line, and I appreciate everyone advising me to stay traditional. I've been reading too many Thanksgiving magazines and I think I got carried away.
Is there anything that you would not recommend preparing at least somewhat in advance? I've heard things about making a base gravy the day before and then adding the pan dripping right before serving. Since gravy is next to turkey in terms of what I'm afraid of messing up (I hate bad gravy), it would be a nice shortcut, but I don't want to ruin the final product.

There will be 8 people for dinner (at least that I'm aware of) including myself. My BF's mother has ordered a 20 lb turkey, which I'm pretty sure is fresh.

The proposed menu, as of now is:

Unknown Hors D'oeuvres
Butternut Squash Soup (with ginger and apple cider, from a restaurant I used to work at... so good, but I'm not sure if it's too much with everything else)
Turkey (Brined, and according to Martha Stewart, roasted with a wine and butter soaked cheese cloth... Is this valid or am I better off with the butter rub?)
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Stuffing with Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, and Gruyere (providing that my trial goes well)
Succotash
Green Beans With Tarragon and Lemon
Ginger Molasses Carrots (http://www.chow.com/recipes/10732)
Mashed Potatoes
Unknown Rolls
Unknown Dessert

Does this sound like it goes together pretty well? I was just trying to stick to things I know I can cook.

jesuisawesome in Home Cooking

Searching for some words of wisdom for a Thanksgiving tenderfoot.

My Dear Chowhounders:

I am cooking my first Thanksgiving dinner solo this year. Although in years past my duties have been limited to fetching drinks for the chef and picking the skin off of the turkey, this year I have decided to take up my turkey baster and potato ricer and head fearlessly into the kitchen, hopefully creating something fantastic, or at the very least, edible.

I am cooking for my boyfriend's family, a family of very lovely and wonderful people who also happen to be very picky, very traditional eaters

Obviously, I am filled with various doubts and concerns.

I have never cooked a Turkey before. Despite my shiny new roasting pan, regardless of how much research I put in or how many brining recipes I read, I continue to have nightmares that I will overcook it, or mistime it so we eat dinner at 11.30. I am not exaggerating. I have had both of these nightmares within the past week. As for the sides, I have recipes that I am planning on using, things that I have made before and am very comfortable with, but have no idea how to make it all come together, let alone look calm doing so. Appetizers and desserts elude me. I long to make something a little more avant garde for these but have no idea what.

Please Help!!!!!!

I know I am not alone in this endeavor and that we could all use a little guidance before the big day. Here is your chance to share all of your Thanksgiving wisdom, both successes and mishaps, with the next generation of home cooks. I am quite sure that you are all much wiser than I am and look forward to any advice that you can offer.

Thank you so much!!!!
-C

jesuisawesome in Home Cooking