Deb Perelman's Sweet & Simple HOLIDAY SECRETS

When Deb Perelman launched her blog, Smitten Kitchen, from her tiny 80-square-foot kitchen back in 2006, she had no idea it would become a beloved destination for home cooks all over the world.

- by ABBEY BENDER

But 1,500 recipes, three bestselling cookbooks and almost two decades later, the self-taught New York-based cook has nearly 2 million followers (@smittenkitchen on Instagram) and has carved out her own place on social media as a culinary inspiration. “Smitten Kitchen is 19 years old, which is crazy because I’m too young to have a 19-year-old, obviously,” she jokes to Woman's World. “I started it as a place to share what I was learning to cook. I never dreamed it would become a career. Now, it’s the best job I’ve ever had.” With Thanksgiving prep in full swing, the wife and mom of two is in one of her busiest— and most enjoyable—seasons. “It’s my favorite holiday. I love a big traditional feast,” Deb says. “I always cook a ton—from stuffings to salads and desserts. And I like eating the foods you only associate with the holiday. It’s something to look forward to every year.” Here, Deb shares tips on planning a wallet-friendly day that celebrates good food, family and joy.

Choose reheat-friendly dishes

"I always try to make Thanksgiving dishes in 9x13” pans, or some sort of casserole dish,” Deb says. “I like it to have high sides, and I will make it like a game of Jenga in my oven while I’m reheating them. I'll have three casserole dishes crisscrossed. With limited oven space, I avoid sheet pan vegetables and dishes that are going to lose their crisp and need to be perfect right out of the oven. I prefer recipes that are much more forgiving and stay hot for longer.”

"Everything that can be made in advance should be," Deb suggests