Posts tagged: family
The Pig’s Top Turkey Tips: How to Survive Without Going Insane Edition
It's Thanksgiving once again! We are here to share another round of The Pig's Top Turkey Tips! This year, we're excited to share....
The Pig’s Top Turkey Tips: How to Survive Without Going Insane Edition
Ready.... Set.... MASTER THANKSGIVING!
Make a schedule: For the day of (and the days leading up to Thanksgiving), make a schedule so it's not a giant cluster of craziness. Know what you can prep in advance. know how long everything needs to cook and at what temperature, etc. That way you don't end up in pure and utter chaos right when people start showing up, expecting to be fed. Stock up on booze - Family's in town, people are expecting a lot out of you... The pressure is on. Stock up on the booze, not only to make sure friends and family are tipsy enough to love your food no matter WHAT you do, but also so you can keep your sanity (and a sorta level head).
Check all your cookware and kitchen tools - Don’t get stuck without a potato masher on the day of or too few serving dishes! Check all the tools, the cookware and the serving dishes in your kitchen to make sure you have everything's covered.
Get ready to thaw - For the love of everything that's holy, PLEASE know how long it will take to thaw your turkey. Also, make room in the fridge so the bird can actually fit in there (or load up a cooler and stock it with ice). Leave your turkey unwrapped in the fridge overnight - The result? Crispier skin. You’re welcome.
Buy a meat thermometer - Yes, it’s worth not having dried out turkey. Get the meat thermometer and know when to pull the turkey (at 160 degrees, it'll go up the other 5 degrees as it rests and stay moist). Make and freeze pie crust ahead of time - How much easier is it to just bake the crust and fill it the day of Thanksgiving instead of trying to make it all that day? You could even do this TONIGHT and be more prepared for relaxation on Thursday.
Make and freeze gravy - Again, another item you can make ahead and freeze. Just reheat on the stove when it's time to serve! Make and freeze mashed potatoes - Sorry, but we've got one more for ya! Mashed potatoes frozen and reheated will not lose their fluffiness, and you'll be grateful to not have to mash all those potatoes on the big day.
Make sure there are leftovers - Remember YOURSELF. The day after Thanksgiving is the day for you, the cook. Have leftovers all stored up and ready as people are sitting down to eat on Thanksgiving. That way you can make a giant leftovers sandwich and kick back for a day of serious "you time".
