Thanksgiving Preparation Guide

Fresh or frozen? Free-range or organic? Basted or not?

Resources, web sites and toll-free phone lines for poultry companies and organizations providing up to the minute cooking advice.

Here it is: your basic Thanksgiving game plan.

A beautiful turkey is the glorious centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table.

Go soak your bird. It’s the best holiday advice you’ll get.

Active Work Time: 20 minutes Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Servings: 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, about 10 to 12 servings 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1 large onion 1 to 2 cups diced celery and leaves 12 cups toasted 1/2-inch bread cubes 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon dried sage or 1/4 cup minced fresh sage 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1 cup turkey stock, water or milk 1.

A refresher course on creating a lump-free and delicious gravy.

Mashed potatoes are comforting, but making them can be nerve-racking if you can’t decide which method to use.

With just a little extra effort, you can create a really special sauce.

Balancing the amount of spice is the trick to making this holiday treat.

The refrigerator, quick-thaw and microwave methods.

cooking charts are not the best way to judge a turkey’s doneness. Always use a thermometer.

Here’s a rundown on what’s essential and what’s just cool to have.

Toll-free telephone services and Web sites offer answers to cooking and food-safety questions during holiday preparation times.