If you are contemplating adding new recipes to your holiday table, it might not be a bad idea to give them a trial run before the big day.

Think: Better Safe Than Sorry

Holiday cooking can often be daunting. If you cook only one turkey or huge ham a year, the pressure is on to have that showstopper on the table. If you are a seasonal baker who rarely bakes breads or pies, it can be stressful to think about what you need to do to create these favorites. If you are a new cook, everything can be overwhelming.

This is why a trial run can be helpful.

Why not get together with other cooks and develop a game plan to do a test run of recipes you want to make for the holidays? There is nothing like a support group to give you a bit of encouragement and if you have some experienced cooks in the group even better!

Now is also a good time to create a game plan and to make sure you have what you need not only to cook but to serve the meal. Entertaining With Beth has several videos for holiday meals that include not only recipes but the Game Plan for producing the meal, too! Check out her YouTube channel in addition to her website.

As you contemplate the Holiday Meal Adventure, keep in mind that it really does not have to be Perfect and you can ask for help. Frankly, I think asking folks to bring a side or a dessert while you focus on the turkey or the ham or whatever you choose, not only reduces your workload but eases your stress level. It also allows folks to contribute, too. You might be surprised to discover that folks want to share their own culinary wonders.

In any event, take the time, no Make The Time, to make sure you know what you are getting into.

And remember, it will be fine no matter what happens.

Enjoy!

Or those things you never really paid attention to until now…

I have often said how much I appreciate Lan Lam’s series for Cook’s Illustrated on YouTube. This is one installment is one more reason to check out the entire series.

It really is the little things that can trip you up!

No matter how experienced you are (or are not) in the kitchen, one of the quickest ways to have a disaster is to not fully read the recipe.

We are all guilty of it.

As you contemplate the upcoming holiday meals, it is imperative that you take the time to go over your menu and read the recipes completely. This will help you create shopping lists, develop your meal plan and create your game plan for The Day. Or days, depending.

Oh, but I don’t have time!

If you think you don’t have time now, what do you expect when the stores are closed or out of stock? And don’t overlook the possibility of items being out of stock or way over priced as the days get shorter.

Save your sanity. Lower your stress level. Allow yourself to ease into a calmer holiday meal.

Good luck!