Thanksgiving is right around the corner! It's one of the coziest, happiest days of the year, but it can also be a bit stressful, especially of you're hosting. Luckily, we're here to help. Check out a few of our Thanksgiving hacks here!
1. Use your slow cooker to keep things warm
Timing is everything when it comes to prepping for Thanksgiving. There's only so much space in the kitchen, and your oven is busy cooking -- so use a slow cooker on a low setting to keep the foods you prepped earlier in the day from going cold.
2. Or, store your gravy in an insulated thermos
Thermos containers aren't just for soup! If you've made your gravy, keep it from cooling down by storing it in a big thermos until it's time to fill the gravy boat. Voila! Warm, savory gravy.
3. Set the table the night before
One thing you can tick off your to-do list before you go to bed on Wednesday? Set the table, tablecloth, napkins and all. That way, you can focus on staying in the kitchen and working on the foods instead of scrambling to set the table.
4. Make canned cranberry sauce even better with a zesty trick
Food Network's Sunny Anderson swears by adding some orange juice or orange zest to your canned cranberry sauce! Both flavors are tart and bright, but they're different enough that the added orange will make both shine even more.
5. Boil your potatoes right in heavy cream
Skip the water and use heavy cream to boil those taters! That way, you'll ensure your mashed potatoes are as creamy as can be. Food Network star Tyler Florence shared this tip that went viral, and you won't regret trying it.
6. Add some zing to a store-bought pie with salt
Not everyone has time to bake a fresh pie, and that's okay. Buy it from your favorite grocery store to save time, and then, if it's a super-sweet option like a pecan pie or a chocolate pie, add some flaky sea salt for a little flavor contrast.
7. Don't stuff the turkey too much!
Want things to get truly flavorful? Instead of trying to fit as much into the turkey as possible, understuff it a bit and let all those veggies or stuffing soak up the delicious flavors you've worked so hard on.
8. Use multiple bags to line the trash can
Don't fuss with emptying and re-lining the trash can all evening. Line it with two or three bags in the first place so there's always one ready to go when you remove the old, full bag.
9. Fill your ice cube trays with cranberries
Cranberry is one of the most iconic flavors of the season. Add some cranberries to your ice to make your water, lemon-lime soda, and juice more zip!
10. Add Old Bay to everything!
We all know Old Bay tastes good on turkey, veggies, mashed potatoes, even dessert! So why hold back? This Maryland icon belongs on your Thanksgiving plate, so don't be shy!
