The BA Test Kitchen Makes the Perfect Thanksgiving Meal | Making Perfect: Thanksgiving Finale

The group discusses various ideas for Thanksgiving dishes, including clam dip and a quahog clam dip. There's a sense of urgency and humor as they decide on the menu, considering items like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The conversation is lively, with many interjections and laughter. They also contemplate the practicalities of cooking such a meal, including oven space and timing, and decide to rent a cabin for the weekend to prepare the meal together.

The group continues to strategize about the Thanksgiving meal, considering the recipes and the timing required for each dish. They discuss the importance of communication and planning, especially regarding oven temperatures and the schedule. There's a sense of excitement and anticipation as they realize the complexity of cooking a large meal all at once. They also joke about the potential chaos of the event and the need to rent a large cabin for the cooking session.

The scene shifts to Cape Cod, where the host is waiting for the test kitchen crew to arrive for an unusual August Thanksgiving celebration. There's a feeling of the worlds colliding as they prepare to cook a Thanksgiving meal in the middle of summer. Upon arrival, they engage in friendly banter and start to discuss the game plan for the next day's meal. They decide on a sit-down time and begin to outline the cooking schedule, including the preparation of the turkey and the addition of sumac to the cranberry sauce.

The group finalizes the Thanksgiving menu, with a focus on the turkey and its preparation time. They discuss the process of breaking down the turkey and estimate the cooking time, including a resting period. The conversation moves on to the preparation of other dishes like potatoes, gravy, and a unique take on stuffing, which includes a stuffing fried rice variation. They also touch upon the importance of having a written recipe for guidance and the adjustments made to the original plans.

The group starts the cooking process for Thanksgiving, beginning with the roasting of squash and preparing of salad components. They discuss the changes made to the original recipe and the reasons behind them, such as the decision to use a different type of squash for the salad. The atmosphere in the kitchen is relaxed and filled with camaraderie as they work on their respective dishes, including the preparation of pecan vinaigrette and the decision to caramelize the squash for enhanced flavor.

The group is conscious of the time as they prepare the Thanksgiving meal. They discuss the timings for various dishes, including the squash and brussel sprouts, and the need to keep track of the cooking process. There's a sense of urgency as they realize they are running behind schedule. Despite the delays, they maintain a positive attitude and continue to work through the cooking plan, including making a glaze for the brussel sprouts and preparing the turkey for roasting.

The group decides to add lobster rolls to the Thanksgiving menu and starts preparing them as an appetizer. There's a humorous moment where they discuss the last-minute decision and the effort to keep everyone happy with the additional dishes. Meanwhile, others in the group go clamming, contributing a fresh element to the meal. The scene is filled with lightheartedness and a sense of adventure as they enjoy the process of cooking and the camaraderie it brings.

The group works on finalizing the dishes for the Thanksgiving meal. Despite the initial chaos and delays, they manage to get everything ready. They discuss the taste and appearance of the fried rice, which surprisingly complements the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. The turkey is given special attention, with discussions on its resting period and the need to ensure it's cooked through. The group expresses satisfaction with their efforts and looks forward to enjoying the meal they've prepared.

The group finally comes together to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal they've worked hard to prepare. They express their gratitude for the opportunity to cook together and for the camaraderie they share. The table is set, and the food is praised for its taste and presentation. There's a sense of accomplishment and joy as they partake in the feast, highlighting dishes like the cranberry sauce, fried rice, and the combined pumpkin and pecan pie. The celebration is marked with cheers, laughter, and contentment.