AS OCTOBER WINDS DOWN, it’s time to begin thinking about Thanksgiving and all that entails.  Fortunately, retailer Williams-Sonoma is offering free technique classes to take the guess work out of preparing a turkey, side dishes, or favorite desserts.  Registration is required for the free classes held on Sunday afternoons and repeated again on Monday morning.  Class will be held at Williams-Sonoma in Willowbrook Mall in NW Houston near FM1960 and Hwy. 249.  Check out their November class schedule:

• Let’s Talk Turkey — November 1 (noon), November 2 (10 a.m.) — This class will help you learn to cook the perfect turkey focusing on ways to flavor the turkey, proper roasting pans and carving sets as well as foolproof tips to simplify a holiday meal.
• Make-Ahead Feast – November 8 (noon), November 9 (10 a.m.) — Learn new side dishes that can be prepared in advance to help the Thanksgiving Day chaos.  Recipes include vegetables, potatoes, and stuffing.
• Thanksgiving Desserts — November 15 (noon, November 16 (10 a.m.) — Learn the secrets to creating a flaky piecrust plus recipes for an updated version of pumpkin pie and more.
• Thanksgiving Classics — November 22 (noon), November 23 (10 a.m.) — Learn last minute for side dishes that will soon become family favorites.

Reserve a spot in these classes by calling 281.807.9809.  Space is on a first come, first serve basis.  Williams-Sonoma is located in the Sears wing of Willowbrook Mall. 
Photo: Eugene Bochkarev