Try these holiday cooking tips to ease stress and free up time to reap the bountiful benefits of the season!
Prep.
Measure, chop, dice and organize as many ingredients as possible ahead of time. To trim prep time, use a food processor when doable.
Clean as you cook.
When you’ve got a dish in the oven, tidy up dirty cookware to save time for the next recipe on the menu. Do dishes the smart way — clean countertops first so you have a spot for bigger pots, etc.
Roast two (or more) small turkeys, rather than one large option for a big crowd.
Turkeys weighing 18 pounds or more take much longer to thaw and cook and they tend to cook less evenly. A quick rule of thumb: Purchase enough turkey to serve one pound per person. Remember, you can rely on the side dishes to round out the meal. To budget time for thawing turkeys, set a phone reminder for transferring the turkeys to the fridge, right when you purchase the meat. For reference, a 16-pound turkey requires four days to thaw. Avoid stuffing the turkey because it extends the cooking time. Finally, roast your turkeys the night before to save time and ease stress.
Assemble speedy and healthy appetizers.
For a festive twist on antipasto, assemble mini skewers with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and thin cucumber rounds. Serve them alongside whole-grain or gluten-free crackers and a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Use fresh apple or pear slices as cracker substitutes for a beautiful base to pair with goat cheese, brie or a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, topped with crushed pistachios and a pinch of rosemary. You might also flavor air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of cinnamon, smoked paprika, or Parmesan for a healthy, savory twist. Finally, create a holiday-inspired sweet treat by coring and baking apples, then filling them with cranberry sauce mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla and chopped walnuts. Serve these warm for a perfect seasonal bite that’s both sweet and nutritious.
Elevate any jar of marinara sauce.
Mix in fresh, chopped carrots, peppers, spinach, zucchini or onions or add in fresh, minced garlic to make any jar of pasta sauce taste truly homemade quickly. Toss in fresh herbs right before serving.
Steam veggies and squash in the microwave.
You can steam your veggies (and, most helpful, squash) in the microwave to expedite cooking time. Try adding the veggies to a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water; cover with a lid; and heat for a few minutes. Squash like spaghetti squash generally takes 9 to 12 minutes. Do a quick Internet search for the recommended steam time for the veggie you’re looking to cook!
We wish you and your loved ones a healthy holiday season filled with joy!
Sources:
“99 Genius Tips That Will Make Your Holidays Better,” tasteofhome.com, Sept. 25, 2024.
“31 Turkey Tips Everyone Should Know This Thanksgiving,” tasteofhome.com, Oct. 5, 2024.
“25 Thanksgiving Cooking Tips Straight From Grandma,” tasteofhome.com, Feb. 13, 2024.
“24 Last-Minute Ideas That Will Absolutely Save Your Holidays,” tasteofhome.com, Jan. 31, 2024.
“Timeless Cooking Tips We Learned From Grandma,” tasteofhome.com, Sept. 28, 2022.