Holiday Tips for Cooking and Entertaining

How do you thaw a frozen turkey? The best (and safest per USDA) way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator, though the quickest way is in cold water. Keep in mind that you risk bacterial growth when thawing in cold water.

When is the turkey done? Use a food thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature of the turkey which should be 165°F throughout. Make sure you check the temperature is at least 165°F in both the thigh (drumstick) and the breast. Turkey cooking times vary based on the weight of your bird, so it’s best to check the recommended time on the packaging.

How do you minimize traffic in the kitchen? In most homes the kitchen is the congregating point, but that can make preparing a large meal difficult. An easy solution is to keep all your beverages in coolers out of the way of the kitchen, freeing up the cooking and prep areas for the holiday feast.

What should people bring? When you don’t want any surprises on your beautiful table ask people to bring beverages or flowers and if you trust their taste you could even ask them to bring the center piece for the table.

Build a tradition! Try having a wine tasting this holiday season! It’s a great way to learn about new wines and it can become a great family tradition.

What are some good activities for the family? Plan a fun family game where everyone can participate. Depending on the age of the youngest child some favorites are Monopoly, Pictionary, Risk, Sorry, or even Trivial Pursuit. And if you’re lucky enough to have good weather croquet is always a crowd pleaser.

How do you manage small children at a family celebration? Have fun crafts and games for young children. A fun craft for both boys and girls is painting their own birdfeeders. You can pick up pre-made wood birdfeeders at Home Depot or at your local craft store.

Fun for the whole family! Have a family member build a multimedia presentation that recaps the year including still photos and video clips. Hook up the computer to you TV or better yet project the presentation with a PC projector. Not many people have their own PC projector, but you might be able to find someone who could borrow one from the office.

How do you energize the family after the feast? Take a family walk, either between the main course and desert or after dinner to aid in digestion and wake everyone up. If you’re really feeling up to it a bike ride does the same.