We know what you're thinking. Hacks? For Thanksgiving?
YouTube
Well, they're out there, and we've found them to help celebrate this joyous holiday. From food prep to handing out leftovers while kicking the extended family out the front door saying heartfelt good-byes, if you avoid these pitfalls, you'll be set up for a lovely, peaceful food coma.
1. You're spending all your time husking corn.
YouTube/BarbecueTricks
Instead of peeling away at the pesky, silky strands on ears of corn, simply heat up corn in the microwave or boil the whole ear and husk together. At that point, the silks and husks will easily pull apart in one swift motion.
Get the tutorial here.
2. You're peeling garlic in a million little pieces.
The Creek Line House
Just as for corn, there's a cheat for peeling a head of garlic. Vigorously shake the heads inside two similarly sized bowls for about 30 seconds and the layers will peel away all on their own.
Get the tutorial from The Creek Line House.
3. You're struggling to peel raw potatoes.
YouTube/CHOW
No one wants to be stuck on potato duty on Thanksgiving—no one. Similarly, no one wants to go without mashed potatoes. This easy, two-step trick will save so much time and energy.
Get the tutorial here.
4. You're serving canned cranberry sauce.
Snack Girl
Did you know that real cranberry sauce only requires three ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make? Use this super-simple recipe for a fresh sauce to replace that goop from a can.
Get the recipe from Snack Girl.
5. You're serving dry turkey.
Snack Girl
When you stick your turkey in the oven without any method to seal in its moisture, you risk endng up with a dry bird. Try cooking turkey in an oven bag to ensure delicious, juicy meat.
Get the tutorial from Snack Girl.
6. You're serving dry turkey. (Yes, we're listing this twice because it's a heinous offense.)
YouTube/BarbecueTricks
For an alternate method to baking a juicy meal, try the modern "beer in the rear" trick. We'll admit it's not the most appetite-inducing name, but it cooks the inside of a turkey with steam, making for a dewy, tender bird.
Get the tutorial here.
7. You're carving with dull knives.
YouTube/Red Ferret
Don't struggle through slicing turkey meat with a dull carving knife—especially when you have a perfectly good "sharpening stone" built into your favorite coffee mug.
Get the tutorial here.
8. You're serving boring, old pie crust.
YouTube/Libbie Summers
Instead of endless pinching and thumb-pressing, use common kitchen utensils to make an array of beautiful designs.
Get 17 more picture-worthy crusts here.
9. You're using flour to keep dough from sticking.
About.com
Many people roll out dough by dusting their counters and rolling pins with a light layer of flour. But use too much and it changes the flavor and consistency of the dough. Instead of gambling on the dough-to-flour ratio, roll out dough in between two sheets of parchment paper, foil, or plastic wrap.
See more cookie dough tips here.
10. You're throwing away burnt cookies.
DowntownDish
Don't waste all those valuable ingredients just because of a slightly overcooked cookie. Use a cheese grater to scrape off the burnt bits and salvage the rest.
Get the tutorial from DowntownDish.
11. You're losing your Tupperware.
Aunt Peaches
Let's be honest. Your fancy glass Pyrex isn't going to be returned (we're looking at you, semi-estranged, twice-removed cousin). Instead of simultaneously saying good-bye to your family and Tupperware, send guests home with disposable packaging—like empty foil cartons.
Get the tutorial from Aunt Peaches.
This article originally appeared on Redbookmag.com.
Related:
9 Simply Delicious 5-Ingredient (or Less!) Pie Recipes
Your A-to-Z Thanksgiving Guide
9 Tiny Versions of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Foods
