Your Burning Thanksgiving Questions, Answered
Our food experts take on the tough topics!
The Good Brigade
Prepping for Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. When it comes to time management, cooking tricks and food safety, we know you probably have a few questions. Don't worry — the Food Network Magazine editors are here to answer them.
Should I rinse my turkey before roasting?
You never need to rinse your bird, even if it’s brined, and rinsing can actually spread germs in your sink and around the kitchen. The best way to prep the turkey is to pat it dry with paper towels (the drier the skin, the crispier it will get!), then make sure you cook it to the right temperature, 165 degrees F, so it’s safe to eat.
Do I have to peel apples for pie?
We always peel apples for pie in the test kitchen: The filling turns out more tender and uniform. If you don’t mind a little texture in your pie, leave the peel on. Just be sure to use thin-skinned apples like Gala, Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious. Granny Smiths have a tough skin that might not be appealing in a pie.
Can I keep side dishes outside if I run out of fridge space?
Even if Thanksgiving Day is chilly, you risk the sun heating your food above 40˚ if you keep it outside for more than 2 hours. Plus, you may be welcoming animals! Instead, stash overflow food in a cooler filled with ice.
Can I make mashed potatoes in a blender or food processor?
This may sound like a time-saver but we don’t recommend it. Pureeing potatoes releases too much starch, which results in a gluey, gummy mash. One exception: sweet potatoes. They’re lower in starch, so they’re fine to puree.
Will expired yeast still work?
Old yeast may not give you the rise that you need, so if yours is out of date by several months, you should replace it. You’ll know for sure if yeast is dead when you try to activate it: Once yeast is added to warm water, the mixture should bubble or foam within 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, toss it!
Is it OK to feed my dog leftovers?
Some leftovers, such as sweet potatoes, whole cranberries and turkey (without the bones!) can be OK for pups. Just beware of added seasonings and ingredient that can be toxic for dogs, like onions and garlic. If you want to celebrate Turkey Day with your furry friend, it’s best to cook something separate or find a Thanksgiving-themed pet food.
Can I make whipped cream in advance?
Heavy cream can be whipped several hours before serving, but it will deflate a bit over time. You can always give it a quick re-whisk to boost the volume. Or, plan ahead and beat in a little crème fraîche: This helps stabilize the cream and keep it airy.
Credits:
Introduction written by Sabrina Choudhary for FoodNetwork.com.
All other text written by Becca Miller for Food Network Magazine.
Related Links:
