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The Top Holiday Cooking Tips for a Perfect Feast

by | Oct 27, 2020 | Cooking, Hobbies, Jonathan Cepelak, Tips

The Top Holiday Cooking Tips For A Perfect Feast Jonathan Cepelak

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about the most important part- the food! If you want to put out the perfect spread, try these tips.

Turkey

The star of the meal needs to be juicy, tender, and delicious. Achieve that by:

  • Crisping up the skin at 450 degrees for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Separate the legs from the breast to cook them longer, so the breast doesn’t dry out.
  • Cover sliced meat with chicken stock and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes to add moisture.
  • Cook several smaller turkeys instead of one large turkey to ensure even cooking.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

You can’t have turkey without mashed potatoes and gravy. Make the smoothest ones by:

  • Use a potato masher instead of a food processor for the potatoes.
  • Whisk in small amounts of broth to your gravy to avoid lumps.
  • Add a teaspoon of baking powder to the potatoes before mashing.
  • Remove fat from gravy by skimming it with a cheesecloth.

Side Dishes

Sweet potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and more make a plate of turkey that much better. Serve up the best sides by:

  • Crisping up stuffing on a baking sheet at 350 degrees before serving.
  • Boil sweet potatoes with a spoonful of shortening to avoid a sticky ring.
  • Add raspberries to your cranberry sauce to balance out the tartness.
  • Use cream of broccoli in place of mushroom for green bean casserole for a flavor upgrade.

Desserts

Serve up a great holiday dessert spread- pumpkin pie included- that is sure to wow your guests by:

  • Add a layer of marshmallows to the bottom of your pumpkin pie for a sweet surprise.
  • Use a warm knife to cut desserts neatly.
  • Bake cookies in advance and freeze them, then thaw the night before.
  • Use store-bought pie crust to save time.

There are so many ways to make sure this year’s holiday spread is better than ever. Your guests are sure to leave full and satisfied. And if you’re looking for some cocktails to accompany the feast, be sure to check out my blog, 8 Cocktails for the Thanksgiving Feast.