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• Nov 21, 2007 5:22 pm US/Central
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  21 Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks

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21 Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks

Courtesy Of Central Market

1. Slow & Low: Cook your turkey slowly at a low temperature to keep it moist, then crank up the heat to get a nice crispy skin.
2. Thanksgiving Variety Show: Have some variety in your side dishes.
3. No more dishpan hands: Heat your side dishes in disposable aluminum pans to cut down on the clean up after the meal.
4. Eco-Friendly: Be sure to recycle your aluminum pans.
5. Desserts are first: Prepare your desserts and sauces a day or two before. These simpler items can stay in your refrigerator until dinner, giving you more time to prep the more complicated dishes. (It will also give you time to run to Central Market if you burn your pie.)
6. Shop Smart: Organize your grocery list by each department within the store so you don't have to back track.
7. Plenty of plastic: Buy an extra stash of plastic bags and disposable containers.
8. Doggie Bags: Send your guests home with your delicious leftovers and minimize your clean up at the same time.
9. Get a head start: Casseroles, salad dressing, cranberry relish, cornbread and other items can be made ahead of time. Chop celery, carrots, mushrooms and other ingredients to reduce your prep work as you cook. Cook roasted vegetable or potato side dishes the night before, then heat them in the oven while your turkey is resting. This also frees up your range to make your gravy and sautéed side dishes such as wild mushrooms.
10. Set 'em up, Joe: Set your table the night before to avoid a last minute scramble.
11.  Kitty Protection: If you have cats that climb, leave off the glasses and cover the table with a bed sheet.
12. Stock up: You'll use more chicken stock than you think. Make sure you have at least one quart for your gravy, one for your stuffing, plus extra for other dishes.
13.  Spice it up: Don't be afraid to use plenty of spices, especially salt and pepper. Novice cooks typically are afraid of adding too much when they actually need to add more.
14.  Quit your wining: Make sure the wine complements the meal. Central Market's wine stewards can help you find the perfect wine for your particular menu.
15.  Timing is everything: Review your recipes – the time, the temperature and other factors – to ensure your turkey and all the trimmings are ready at the same time. Your prep stress will be minimized by planning what and when to prep each item.
16.  Take your temperature: A meat thermometer may be the most important tool in the kitchen. The turkey should be 150 degrees at the thickest part of the thigh.
17.  Small kitchen?: If you have limited space to keep your turkey or other dishes warm while you finish up, try using an ice chest. (Be sure it has been thoroughly cleaned first!)
18.  Picture Perfect Pies: When preparing your crusts, use a cookie cutter to create a couple small pumpkins, leaves or other holiday shapes. Then, if your top crust cracks, simply place these "cookies" over the imperfections.
19.  Freezer a la mode: Place scoops of ice cream on a cookie sheet and freeze overnight. Just pop them on them on the plate with the pumpkin pie for a quick and easy scoop service.
20.  Over-processed potatoes: Don't try to use your food processor to make mashed potatoes. You'll end up with mushed potatoes instead.
21.  Gravy to go: Stop stressing over the stuffing, and pick up all your side dishes at Central Market.

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