Mindy Kaling’s Thanksgiving cooking secrets were unveiled in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, where the star shared her strategy of delegating tasks to loved ones to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday. The 45-year-old actress and writer, known for her role in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” admitted that while she enjoys cooking, the demands of holiday meals can be overwhelming to handle alone. This year, she decided to enlist the help of friends to assist with various dishes, allowing her to focus on her top five favourite recipes.
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Kaling revealed that she chose to outsource key components of her Thanksgiving feast to friends, with each person taking on a specific dish. By sharing the cooking responsibilities, Kaling can concentrate on preparing her favourite recipes without feeling overwhelmed by the kitchen chaos. This approach not only lightens her cooking load but also allows her to be more present and social during the festivities. The actress admitted that she tends to get stressed in the kitchen and prefers to have a laid-back approach to cooking during special occasions.
For Kaling, advanced preparation is key to staying calm and organised during the holiday season. The mother of three shared her time-saving hack of prepping ingredients days in advance, particularly focusing on casseroles that can be prepared ahead of time. By tackling tasks like chopping vegetables and toasting bread early in the week, Kaling ensures that she can easily assemble and cook her dishes when the time comes, freeing her up to enjoy quality time with her guests.
In addition to preparing for Thanksgiving, Kaling revealed that her family likes to kick off the holiday season early. Embracing the festive spirit, they put up their Christmas tree in mid-November, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere in their home. For Kaling, starting the Christmas celebrations early brings joy to her children and sets a positive mood for the upcoming season. The family, who also celebrated Diwali in October, enjoyed a prolonged festive period, with decorations and lights adding to the holiday cheer.
Despite her busy schedule, Kaling prioritizes creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for her loved ones during the holidays. By delegating tasks, planning ahead, and embracing the festive spirit, she ensures that her Thanksgiving celebration is a memorable and enjoyable event for all. As she navigates the demands of cooking and hosting, Kaling remains focused on sharing special moments with her family and friends, embodying the spirit of gratitude and togetherness that defines the holiday season.