Holiday hosting can be a huge stress! Tips to help avoid cooking mishaps!
- Not thawing the turkey properly. According to the USDA, you should thaw your turkey in the fridge; allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of your turkey.
- Overcrowding the oven. You may be tempted to stuff as much food in the oven to cook as possible at once, but when it's too crowded in there, the hot air isn't able to circulate properly. This will leave you with dishes that aren't cooked evenly.
- Not using a meat thermometer. Think of a meat thermometer as your best friend when it comes to cooking the turkey. Stick it into the thicket part of the turkey's thigh, and look for a temperature that's at least 165°F.
- Skipping turkey resting time. As soon as you pull the turkey out of the oven, you may be eager to start carving it. Doing this can lead it to being dry. Instead, cover it loosely with foil and let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes before you start carving it.
- Forgetting to taste as you cook. What better way to know for sure that what you're cooking is coming out delicious? By trying it yourself! Just take a spoonful here and there to taste and make sure that it's not too bland, too salty, or otherwise poorly balanced.
- Failing to delegate tasks. Just because you're hosting doesn't mean that you should be doing everything yourself. Assign appetizers, side dishes, desserts to others coming over who also love, and are good at cooking. Even if they don't love cooking, they can stop and pick something up; it will help you focus on making the dishes you're cooking perfect.