There`s just one week to go to prepare for the big meal.  If you`re going to serve turkey, it`s time to decide when you need to shop.  Did you know that it takes 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator?  After the turkey is thawed, you can keep it another 1 to 2 days.

 *U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

For more helpful Thanksgiving planning and safety tips and tables, visit USDA Countdown to the Thanksgiving Holiday .

I always get the cooking started Tuesday night with making the cranberry sauce.  That red is the most festive food color I know.  Wednesday night is for pie baking and stuffing prep (I don`t stuff the bird until just before it goes in the oven).  Share your cooking countdown in Comments.