Get Your Kitchen Ready to Host Thanksgiving
Dinner
Thanksgiving means many things to different people - the chance to gather with family, the one time of year you break out the cherished family recipe for pumpkin pie, the unofficial start of the holiday season and - if you’re hosting - the biggest workout your kitchen will get all year. After all, when else are you making one giant main course, six or more side dishes and numerous desserts for a group of people?
If you’re planning on hosting Thanksgiving this
year, be sure to ask yourself ahead of time if your kitchen is ready. Prepping
your cooking space in advance can make cooking day-of (and let’s be honest, a
day or two before as well) less stressful and safer. Read on for kitchen safety tips for the big day:
The Week Before
Plan Ahead: You’ll want to think
about defrosting your turkey safely and efficiently to avoid food poisoning.
The best method for defrosting a turkey is in your refrigerator, but it takes
roughly 24 hours to defrost just 4 or 5 pounds. A 20-lb turkey will take 4 or 5
days to thoroughly defrost.
Clean Your Oven: Many ovens have
a cleaning feature to burn off fallen food and grease. Getting rid of oven
build up will lessen the chance of anything setting flame while you’re cooking
your turkey and casseroles on the big day.
Check Your Smoke Detectors: While
you shouldn’t have these installed directly in the cooking area, smoke
detectors should be installed in the hallways just off the kitchen. Make sure
they are charged and ready to go for Turkey Day! Although it might be tempting
to turn them off while cooking, avoid doing so to make sure you’re alerted in
case of emergency.
Double Check Your Fire Extinguisher: Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. One of the most common
types of fire is a grease fire. Although a fire extinguisher may ruin your
meal, it may very well save your home.
The Day Before
Clean the Cooktop of Your Stove:
Whether you use a glass cooktop, electric element, or gas, be sure that any
excess food or grease splatters are cleaned up prior to cooking to avoid a
kitchen fire.
Unclutter the Counter: Unplug
any unnecessary appliances and put them away to clear up counter space. You’ll
be so glad you did once it’s time to get cooking! Plus, less clutter means less
chance of accidentally knocking things on the floor.
On Thanksgiving Day
Be Cautious of Turkey Fryers: If
you are planning to deep fry your bird, make sure the turkey is completely
thawed and plan to fry outside. Do not use the fryer in a garage or outside
structure and make sure you are well away from anything flammable.
Gather Your Tools: Have a food
thermometer nearby. A turkey is done cooking when its internal temperature
reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you also have plenty of cooling trays
and oven mitts on hand to protect both your hands and your counters!
Make a First Aid Kit: Be
prepared with aloe and bandages just in case a burn or cut occurs.
Cool, running water can also lessen pain and swelling.
Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking: Tempting as it may be to step out of the room to do some last minute cleaning or place setting, it’s important to
remain in the kitchen at all times while cooking. If you need to step out, have
someone else watch the food in your absence.
Designate a Space for Children and Pets: Remind children to stay out of the kitchen and away
from the stove to ensure their safety. Help keep them occupied by setting up a
play area in a separate room. During all the holiday hustle and bustle, you’ll also want to
keep an eye on your pets. Consider
shutting them in a separate room while your guests are over so you don’t have
to worry about them becoming overstimulated, injured in the kitchen or running
out the door as guests come and go.
A safe Thanksgiving is achieved through
preparation. Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a successful
Thanksgiving meal with your friends and family.
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