Post by The Eighth Doctor on Nov 24, 2010 9:18:06 GMT -5
I always find making lists to remind me of what I need to do is very helpful during rushed times like holidays. Perhaps I could help you with your own list. Here's what I came up with this year.
1. Clear out the fridge of old foods to make room for all the leftovers today. If the old food moves and snarls, call the local HazMat office. They know what to do.
2. Find the roasting pan and rack that's big enough for the turkey today. Don't make yourself resort to butchering the poor thing to make it fit into four medium casserole dishes! (I myself have done this:( )
3. If you have people coming over to stay a night or two, now's the time to chase the raccoons out of the guest room and clear away the wasp nests. Wouldn't hurt to make sure the bedding is fresh and clean too. Patch the holes.
4. Is the turkey already butchered and cleaned? Neighbors tend to frown on those who rise up early to chase the turkey around the yard with a hatchet.
5. If you wish to try brining your turkey this year, please note that brine is a mixture of salts and spices that you buy in specialty cooking stores. Soaking the bird in a salt water aquarium is not a good substitute. (Plus you might lose some meat to the fish.)
6. Did you clean that gravy stain from last year off the tablecloth? Does it need to be patched? Now's the time to find out.
7. If you do not have the good fortune to have crystal water glasses, jelly jars are a reasonable substitute as long as they match. Oh, and clean the jelly out first.
8. Remind your relatives and guests that you wish the only pickled things around to be in the relish dishes. Moderate drinks if you have to.
9. Flowers look great on the table but if you are inviting some neighbors over be sure they don't recognize the ones that came out of their garden.
10. Make sure you have a quiet out-of-the-way place for any pets to retreat to. This also keeps them safe from being included in the menu during the hustle of cooking.
See how much easier it is when you have a list?
1. Clear out the fridge of old foods to make room for all the leftovers today. If the old food moves and snarls, call the local HazMat office. They know what to do.
2. Find the roasting pan and rack that's big enough for the turkey today. Don't make yourself resort to butchering the poor thing to make it fit into four medium casserole dishes! (I myself have done this:( )
3. If you have people coming over to stay a night or two, now's the time to chase the raccoons out of the guest room and clear away the wasp nests. Wouldn't hurt to make sure the bedding is fresh and clean too. Patch the holes.
4. Is the turkey already butchered and cleaned? Neighbors tend to frown on those who rise up early to chase the turkey around the yard with a hatchet.
5. If you wish to try brining your turkey this year, please note that brine is a mixture of salts and spices that you buy in specialty cooking stores. Soaking the bird in a salt water aquarium is not a good substitute. (Plus you might lose some meat to the fish.)
6. Did you clean that gravy stain from last year off the tablecloth? Does it need to be patched? Now's the time to find out.
7. If you do not have the good fortune to have crystal water glasses, jelly jars are a reasonable substitute as long as they match. Oh, and clean the jelly out first.
8. Remind your relatives and guests that you wish the only pickled things around to be in the relish dishes. Moderate drinks if you have to.
9. Flowers look great on the table but if you are inviting some neighbors over be sure they don't recognize the ones that came out of their garden.
10. Make sure you have a quiet out-of-the-way place for any pets to retreat to. This also keeps them safe from being included in the menu during the hustle of cooking.
See how much easier it is when you have a list?
