Decembers here, and holiday cooking will soon be in full swing. Do you know how old your spices are? Fresh, savory seasonings are a must during the holiday season–but in many kitchens, jars and tins of spices languish for years, losing flavor over time. Check your spice rack for freshness Read more
There’s no panic like the one the morning of Christmas day, when you realize you’ve forgotten just which cookbook contains the family’s favorite sweet potato casserole. Twenty minutes later, books, notecards and torn magazine pages litter what was a once a clean kitchen counter. Fight back–and save your sanity–by spending Read more
Christmas morning is no time to discover stains on the tablecloth, unpack tarnished flatware or to recall that last season saw the shattering of your favorite turkey platter. (That darn dog!) Prepare to set a pretty table with a pre-season tabletop check. Inventory and inspect table linens, napkins, serving pieces, Read more
What’s a holiday cook’s best friend? Disposable food storage containers–and their convenient cousins, zipper food storage bags. In the holiday kitchen, disposable containers hold baked goods for giving, keep leftovers in order and line up for mise-en-place duty during holiday cooking sessions. Lightweight and inexpensive, they nest neatly and travel Read more
Now’s the time, in the calm before the holiday meals begin: clean out the freezer! Supermarkets will soon offer loss leaders on holiday staples, from pie to whipped topping, dinner rolls to desserts. Tossing expired frozen food–or resolving to eat up freezer dishes that are nearing their expiration point–will create Read more
In the weeks to come, the refrigerator will play a starring role in the holiday kitchen–so clear the decks for holiday cooking with a refrigerator clean-out. Toss expired foods and work the last dribs and drabs of salad dressing, produce or dairy products into the week’s meals. You’ll make room Read more
Thanksgiving’s arrived, and we’re on the home stretch to the Christmas season: welcome to Decorate Week! Today, it’s time to take stock of all we’ve achieved, and chart a course for the remainder of the Organized Christmas Countdown. Where are you with your holiday preparations? Ahead of the game this Read more
Check on your liquor supply and pay a visit to your local wine merchant for seasonal suggestions to pair with your favorite fall foods.
Replace spices that are more than six months old or no longer fragrant, and stock up on staples such as flour and sugar.
Your guest rooms should be not only clean, but inviting too. Set out flowers or other special touches to make guests feel extra welcome