Helpful Tips for your Thanksgiving Meal

With Thanksgiving just one week from today, it's time to start prepping for all of your tasty creations.  Although the holiday is focused on spending time with family and friends, the food is also an important highlight of the day.  Everyone has their favorite dish at Thanksgiving, whether it is the mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or assortment of pies.  Here are a few great tips on popular side dishes from our team here at Stonewall Kitchen that can help you prep for the big day!

Mashed Potatoes

• Start potatoes with cold water, covering them by at least an inch and adding 1/2 tsp of kosher salt.
• Drain your potatoes then dump them back into the hot pot to remove any moisture.
• Infuse your warmed milk/cream and butter with whole garlic before adding it to your potatoes for an extra boost of flavor.
• Use a ricer, food miller or hand masher to create the fluffiest mashed potatoes - remember, over whipping or mashing your potatoes will cause them to become "gluey", so mash lightly!

Gravy

• A fat separator allows you to make homemade gravy easily
• Try a fat separator, such as this, which will help keep any unwanted bits from falling into your gravy to allow for a smoother sauce.
• For a perfectly smooth gravy, strain your finished homemade gravy through a sieve.  This will get rid of all lumps and a very creamy, smooth gravy.

 



Whipped Cream
If you over-whip your whipped cream it will become too grainy.  Try adding a few Tablespoons of fresh cream and whip again.  This should bring your cream back to fluffy!  If you have already whipped your cream to the point of formed butterfat clumps, you unfortunately have gone to far and must start over.

Add a touch of flavor
Looking to add a touch of flavor to your standard family recipes?  Try these flavor enhancing tips from our Recipe Developer, Kim.

• Add New England Cranberry Relish or Apple Cranberry Chutney to your favorite stuffing recipe.
• Spread Cranberry Horseradish Sauce over your baked acorn squash or on your late night turkey sandwich.
• Add a flavored mustard or savory jam to your mashed potatoes for a unique flavor.
• Use a pie filling and fill small phyllo cups for an easy dessert.

Still need recipe ideas?  Check out our Thanksgiving inspired Pinterest Board for some of our favorites.