Union's 'Thanksgiving Made Easy' accepting orders through Nov. 18

Purdue Memorial Union has all the makings of a satisfying Thanksgiving dinner with only minimal time for gathering foods, preparing them or cleaning up. Quantities for ordering are flexible so it's possible to avoid too many leftovers -- or to make sure personal favorites have plenty of leftovers.

A holiday tradition in itself offered by Purdue Dining & Catering, "Thanksgiving Made Easy" by pre-ordering is a great choice when time, talent or situation makes cooking a big meal impractical.

Orders will be taken online at https://www.dining.purdue.edu/SelectDining/ through 10 p.m. Nov. 18 for pickup Nov. 22 or 23, and the menu offers a variety of items and quantities to fit any situation and number. Patrons can order a turkey, complete meals or a la carte items including choice among five entrees, eight side dishes, three types of breads or rolls, six sweets/desserts, two party trays, dip and cider. All hot foods are ready to heat and eat.

Some dining possibilities:

* Complete meals are available to feed two, four or eight people, and include a choice among three pre-sliced entrees. Meals also include several sides such as stuffing, turkey gravy and dinner rolls.

* Vegetable or fruit platters are available as a light snacking option for before or after the big meal.

* The a la carte menu provides customers with a variety of choices for bringing a side to an event or for serving more dishes than kitchen space or time allows. Side dishes are all traditional favorites, including the Union's well-known "Kay's Sweet Potatoes." Sweets include the popular Pumpkin Pie Chex Mix.

* The Union Deluxe option provides the entire meal for eight to 10 people with 30 percent savings. This option includes a whole turkey, nine sides and a choice of pie.

* The option for increasing the quantity of orders allows for easy pre-planning for leftovers.

"Thanksgiving Made Easy" is available online at www.union.purdue.edu/SelectDining. Customers may choose their items and quantities to suit their dining needs. The site is secure and accepts payment from Discover, Mastercard or Visa.

Orders will be available for pickup between 1 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 22 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 23 at the Oasis Cafe on the ground floor of the Union. When ordering, customers may select their preferred pickup time. Thanksgiving Day is Nov. 24.