The holidays are here, and the countdown is on. Let’s work together to make the preparation smooth and stressless.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas our homes buzz with excitement. Homemakers are decking the halls; making the gift list for shopping; attending concerts and event; and most of all planning the dinners for each night. I’m sweating already just thinking about it.
Our plan is to enjoy these days and that means making a plan and working the plan. Every household has its nuisances, but our similarities are greater. Just recently I co-hosted Homemaking with a Purpose where we talked about a 21-day plan to get your house ready for the holidays.
If you would like a Thanksgiving timeline to get you through the coming weeks I have just the thing for you. Click the button to receive this free document.
A Home Cook’s Thyme in the Kitchen
Let’s Talk Turkey!
The number one MOST important thing about your holiday dinner is the turkey. Home Cook’s take great pride in a beautiful, tasty, succulent bird. For those who have struggled with getting all parts of the turkey just right, here are some tips:
How large a turkey should you purchase? 1 - 1 1/2 lbs. per person
How long should you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator? 24 hours per 5 lbs. of bird. Let me first say that you will want your turkey thawed by the day before the holiday. If your bird is still a little frozen, place it in a sink of cool water for several hours. Don’t forget to remove the giblets from the cavity.
How long should you cook a turkey? Approximately 20 minutes per pound or until your thermometer register’s 165-degrees F (An 8 - 10 pond turkey takes about 3 hours) I know some brands of turkey have pop-up indicators. Don’t depend on the pop-ups. Often the turkey is overcooked and dry.
How to insert the thermometer in the turkey? Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh near where the turkey breast begins. Make sure the thermometer doesn’t hit the bone. If it hits the bone, you’ll get an inaccurate reading, so start over. Once the thigh meat registers 165 degrees F, your turkey is done.
At what temperature should you roast the turkey? Start the covered turkey in a hot 350 oven. Basting helps to avoid dryness. During the last hour, baste again, then raise the temperature to 425 degrees F. until the juices run clear or your thermometer register’s 165-degrees F
How long should the turkey rest? Let it rest 15 to 30 minutes, this is SO important! Keep the turkey tented after removing it from the oven.
Having a Plan is most important for a Stress-free Holiday Dinner
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Ideas to Get You Through the Holidays
Lunch Thyme with Leona is a relaxing time to sit down, enjoy lunch and talk about those subjects that are on the mind of home cooks.
Let’s Deck the Halls Together
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I like to set the kitchen up at Thanksgiving in a way that the transition to Christmas is easy. Placing the coffee bar in an easy to access spot is always first because we use it daily. This is a great time to add holiday teas, creamers, and flavored stirrers. The decorative mugs and festive cocktail napkins come out for family or guest to use.
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Come into the kitchen! This is the Home Cook’s happy place.
You are the home cook who loves preparing delicious, healthy recipes.
I’ll share recipes. cooking tricks and organizing tips.
I’ll also share with you, the Home Cook, the must-have tools and gadgets.
Here we will also create seasonal kitchen decor.
Building a Healthy family and community around the table makes for a better world.
We are going to do it One Meal at a Time.
