Don't forget these
holiday
safety tips |
1. Do not overload electrical circuits. No more than three
sets of lights to one extension cord.
2. Check all lights for damaged sockets, plugs or cords.
Repair or replace anything that looks defective.
3. Only use UL or FM labeled extension cords.
4. Don't run electrical cords under rugs or carpeting.
5. Turn off all electrical decorations before leaving
home or going to bed.
6. Be sure that lights used outside are clearly marked
for outdoor use.
7. Be careful when using ladders outside to decorate
home exteriors. Do not place lights in trees near power
lines.
8. Fasten outdoor lights securely to the exterior to
protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated
staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks.
9. Never use electric lights on old metal artificial
trees.
10. Keep all light strings out of reach of small children.
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Unexpected
Entertaining |
Shut Doors....
It only takes a minute to shut the doors to all "Off Limits"
rooms and cabinets. You'll be surprised how much neater this
makes your house look.
Freshening up your bathroom in a hurry.....
Close the shower curtain, put out fresh towels and
unwrap a fresh bar of scented soap to freshen the
whole room. Many foods can be prepared, weeks
ahead of time. By
planning ahead, all you will have to do is pull it
out of the freezer, and bake. Just think all the good
smells, with almost no mess. |
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Easiest way to Keep
your child's Lunch Hot at School |
| If you have tried every possible way to get your child to eat the
lunch you've packed for them and they're just not eating their lunch...try a Lunch & Go™ You
save $$ and they'll love it! Parents love it for the
office too! |
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Holiday decoration
ideas |
Glue together individually wrapped red-and-white striped
mints to make a beautiful handmade garland. You can wrap
it around your tree or banister.Line an empty flower pot with
a Christmas Napkin or
hand towel to make a very festive silverware caddy,
or extra utensil holder.
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Holiday gift wrapping |
Have several friends over while the kids are in school.
Have them bring their gifts, tape, and paper. Turn it
into a wrapping party, serving munches. This way you
always have that extra set of fingers you always need.
Also you can swap wrapping paper and ribbon.
Many foods can be prepared, weeks ahead of time. By
planning ahead, all you will have to do is pull it
out of the freezer, and bake. Just think all the good
smells, with almost no mess.
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What about the turkey? |
How big of Turkey do I need?
Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served.
This formula allows for the holiday meal plus a little
left over for the prized turkey sandwich. When
purchasing a Turkey make sure that the packaging
is intact and avoid purchasing a bird with packaging
that has rips or tears, it's probably dried out....
How to prepare the bird.
There are two ways to prepare a turkey for cooking.
The first way; and I think is the traditional way,
is to remember to take the Giblets and Neck out
of their cavities (this may sound stupid but I
have known people to bake the turkey with the bag
of Giblets in tact). OOPS I forgot!!! Next wash the
turkey inside and out, then pull the skin away from
the breast and shove butter under the skin, and rub
a little butter on the skin. this will keep it moist
on the inside and crisp on the outside. Add a little
water (about an inch) because the turkey will produce
it's own juices too, so you will have plenty to make
the gravy.
Marinate First
Marinades are seasoned liquids in which the turkey is
soaked both to absorb flavor and to tenderize. Most
marinades contain an acid such as vinegar, citrus juice,
wine and herbs or spices. One of the easiest ways to
marinate a turkey is by using a needle-like injector.
Injectors can be purchased at kitchen supply stores and
range in price from $10 to $15.
To marinate a turkey without an injector, simply use a
fork to make random holes over the entire bird. Place
the turkey in a large, plastic cooking bag or foodservice
grade plastic bag, pour in the marinade, close the bag
securely and let it marinate overnight. Turkey should
always be marinated in the refrigerator. Before cooking,
be sure to scrape off excess marinade and discard. Do NOT
re-use marinade to baste the turkey.
Herb Marinade
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh marjoram
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
10-pound whole turkey, cleaned and drained well
1. Combine the oil, vinegar, herbs and seasonings together
in a small bowl. Place the turkey in a large, plastic
cooking bag.
2. Add marinade, close bag securely and allow to marinate
in the refrigerator for several hours.
3. Oven roast or deep fry according to the National Turkey
Federation recommendations.
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How to select turkey
size |
Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small
gathering for the holiday. Other turkey products that are
readily available include a turkey breast, tenderloins,
cutlets, drumsticks or thighs. Or ask your butcher to cut
a whole fresh bird in two halves, roast one half and
freeze the other half for a later occasion. Select
the size of turkey based on number of servings
you need. There is no difference between female (hen)
and male (tom) turkeys in tenderness, white/dark meat
ratio or other eating qualities. Hens typically weigh
between 14 to 16 pounds and toms 15 pounds on up, so
choose the size which best fits the number of dinner
guests you expect.
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