Chapter 86: Take Charge This Turkey Day

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving with a Little AI Help

Hey, it’s Leo, and guess what?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

It’s one of those holidays that’s all about good food, great company, and, let’s be real—a fair amount of planning.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just contributing a dish, Thanksgiving can feel like a juggling act. But don’t worry, AI is here to help you plan and organize, making the holiday prep way easier and way less stressful. From coordinating the menu to managing shopping lists and even cooking, AI can take on the tasks that usually leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Ready to see how AI can simplify your Thanksgiving so that even your Nonna would be proud? Let’s get into it!

PLAN LIKE A PRO

1. Creating a Coordinated Menu: AI-powered apps like Whisk and Yummly allow you to browse and select recipes based on your family’s preferences and dietary needs. You can save favorite recipes to create a customized Thanksgiving menu and make sure you have a balanced meal plan that includes everyone’s favorites—from appetizers to desserts.
2. Building Shopping Lists and Tracking Ingredients: Once your menu is set, AI shopping list tools can help streamline your grocery shopping. Apps like AnyList and Bring! let you add ingredients from each recipe, organize them by store section, and track what you’ve already bought. This keeps you on budget and prevents those last-minute runs for forgotten items.
3. Coordinating Cooking Schedules: With multiple dishes to prepare, timing is everything. AI cooking assistants, such as SideChef and Sous Chef, can help you plan the ideal cooking schedule. These tools break down each recipe into steps, allowing you to manage cooking times and make sure everything comes together right on time.
4. Meal Prep and Step-by-Step Guidance: Cooking apps like Tasty and Paprika offer step-by-step guidance and even video tutorials for complex dishes. With the option to watch cooking techniques or follow voice-guided instructions, you’ll feel like you have a personal chef by your side—making those challenging Thanksgiving recipes easier to tackle.
5. Managing Dietary Restrictions: Thanksgiving can be tricky when accommodating different dietary needs. AI tools like EatLove and Forks Over Knives allow you to filter recipes based on dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy the meal without worry. From gluten-free pies to vegan stuffing, AI makes it easy to find and prepare dishes for everyone.

LET'S CHAT ABOUT IT

You: Hey, I’m hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, and I honestly don’t know where to start. I want it to be great, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.

AI: Totally understandable! Thanksgiving has a lot of moving parts, but I’m here to help you break it down into manageable steps. Let’s start with the basics—do you have a menu in mind, or are you looking for some ideas?

You: I know I want to make turkey and a few sides, but beyond that, I’m open to suggestions. I just want a well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.

AI: Perfect! Let’s think about some sides that would pair well with turkey. How about we add a classic stuffing, a green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts, and maybe a sweet dish, like mashed sweet potatoes? Does that sound good?

You: Yes, that sounds like a solid menu. But how do I keep track of everything I need? I don’t want to miss any ingredients.

AI: Good call! Start by listing out the ingredients for each dish. I can help organize them by category, like produce, dairy, and spices, so it’s easy to check them off as you shop. You’ll be able to see at a glance what’s missing or what you already have.

You: That would be super helpful. But I’m also worried about timing. I don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day while everyone’s here.

AI: Great point. Let’s set up a cooking schedule based on the dishes you’re making. We’ll work out which ones you can prep a day or two ahead, like chopping vegetables or making desserts. On Thanksgiving Day, I’ll help plan out what needs to go into the oven when, so everything’s hot and ready to serve at the same time.

You: Thank you! I feel a lot better about this now. Any final tips?

AI: Just remember, Thanksgiving is about enjoying time with loved ones. Don’t stress too much if things don’t go perfectly—it’s all part of the experience! And hey, if you need any more help along the way, I’m here. You’ve got this!

EASE INTO IT

If you’re just starting to plan Thanksgiving, here’s a approach to keep things simple. Begin by thinking about your menu: What are the must-haves that you, your family, and guests love? Jot down a few main dishes and sides, keeping dietary needs in mind. From there, decide how you’ll organize cooking—start with dishes that can be made ahead of time and save complex or timing-sensitive items for the day of.

Consider setting aside time for each dish and give yourself breaks in between. Remember, you don’t have to do everything alone—get family or friends involved by assigning them a dish or a role. Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful, and breaking down each step into manageable parts keeps things calm and fun. Think of it as a way to savor the day!

And one final tip: Don't forget to brine your turkey!​

WRAP

Thanksgiving is a time to connect, enjoy great food, and relax—but planning it all can be overwhelming. AI tools CAN simplify the entire process, from creating your menu to organizing shopping lists and managing cooking schedules. With AI by your side, you can focus on what really matters: sharing a memorable meal with the people you care about. Ready to make this Thanksgiving your most organized, stress-free holiday yet? Let AI handle the details, and enjoy the holiday!

TALK BACK

What do you think? Are you excited to try out AI for your Thanksgiving prep?

Let me know if you’ve used any tools or if you have questions about getting started.

And hey, if you enjoyed this guide, tell your friends! Have them join our community over at 10xyou.us!

PS: I'll be off next week, probably sleeping off a Tryptophan coma, so have an awesome Thanksgiving and above all - relax and enjoy being with your family and friends.

They are the most important part of the day.

Ciao!

Leo Serrano, Editor, Fulfillment Fridays, 10xYOU​

Remember, you can always email me directly at leo@10xyou.us​