Even with Thanksgiving looking a little different this year for all of us, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy it. We’ve curated the following tips to help you save time (and stress) in the kitchen, so you can focus on what really matters — the time spent with your loved ones.
- Put the cookbooks away. If you’re following recipes this Thanksgiving, print them out and tape them to your cabinets. This way, you’ll free up much-needed counter space that cookbooks or computers take up.
- Chop your veggies ahead of time. This might sound like a no-brainer, but it really does save time and stress for those who choose to do this. Store chopped onions, celery, carrots and any other veggies in clearly labeled containers or baggies in the fridge or freezer the day before you use them. Cranberry sauce can be made in advance, as well.
- Make your pie dough in advance and freeze it. It’s one less thing you have to do around the big day. Or, you could make it really easy on yourself and buy one already made. No judgment!
- Use the ice chest as a fridge. More than likely, your refrigerator space is going to fill up in rapid time, so an ice chest works well as a second fridge. Everything that doesn’t fit in the refrigerator – which is a lot on Thanksgiving – goes in the cooler.
- Use the slow cooker as a mashed potato keeper. This not only keeps your spuds warm when every stove top is in use, but you’ll also be able to stir every hour or so to keep your potatoes smooth and silky.
- Bake stuffing in muffin tins to maximize crispy surface area and make easy single servings.
- Use a thermos as a gravy warmer. Decant to a gravy boat minutes before serving so it stays the desired temperature.
- Just add chicken broth. Chicken broth can be the panacea to a lot of food issues that arise, including an overcooked bird. If your turkey meat is dried-out, drizzle it with a little warm chicken broth. It’ll help moisten the meat, as well as add flavor.
Have a safe and happy thanksgiving!
