Some holiday dishes get requested before the menu is even written. Maybe it’s the sweet potatoes with the pecan topping, the stuffing made from a family recipe, or those warm rolls that seem to disappear before everyone sits down.
There’s a lot of pleasure in making food people look forward to. But even when you love to cook, getting several dishes ready at the same time can take a little juggling. Especially when the oven is full and you’ve somehow used every mixing bowl in the kitchen.
That’s where a few small kitchen tricks can help. Sometimes, a simple change in how you prepare an ingredient makes it easier to work with. Other times, it’s something you can finish ahead, giving yourself one less thing to do when dinner is nearly ready.
Take mashed potatoes, for example. Warming the milk before adding it helps keep them hot while you mix. Or consider that orange you’re about to squeeze: a little of its zest stirred into butter can make a basket of warm rolls even more inviting.
Below are ten simple ways to make holiday cooking a little easier, from orange-honey butter to a few things you can prepare ahead. Pick the ones that fit your menu.
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