Turkey Day Kitchen Preparedness

Last week I touched on the importance of preparing your kitchen for Thanksgiving and yesterday’s tip of the day focused on the importance of a shopping list. Today, I want to take you a bit further and touch on what to do with all the delicious food coming your way.

Following these steps before the turkey comes home, is one way to ensure a smooth and seamless dinner. 

1. First and foremost, you are going to need room for the turkey, sweets and all the fixings. Free up as much counter space as you can and cook through what’s in your fridge leading up to the big day.

2. Secondly, spot-check your dried herbs. Dried thyme, oregano, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and garlic powder are the most commonly used spices around the holidays and should be replaced every year.  For tips on dried spices, look at Monday’s “In The Know” entry which covers everything from expiration dates to proper storage. Note: if your herbs are expired, do yourself a favor and supply yourself with new ones.

3. Thirdly, check for kitchen staples. From olive oil to butter, flour, sugar, baking spray, vanilla extract, salt, pepper, vinegar, and ample amounts of ice to foil, plastic wrap, gallon size zip-lock bags and take-away containers.  Make sure you have everything you will need.

4. Fourthly, take inventory in your cellar and make sure you have a nice variety of wine to offer your guests.

5. And last but not least, don’t forget cleaning supplies: Make sure you have plenty of paper towels, sponges, scrubbers, dish washing soap, dishwasher soap, kitchen gloves, a container for properly disposing grease, and garbage bags. Oh, and don’t forget a hefty supply of clean aprons, dishtowels, oven mitts, and trivets to protect your buffet and counter tops.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!