Holiday Helpings
You have turkeys to make, cookies to bake, and family feasts to prepare. Herewith, top tips for being a top chef in the kitchen this holiday season.

Talking Turkey

Whether you’re serving your bird for Thanksgiving or another holiday get-together, it’s important to choose wisely. Need help deciding between all the types you see at the supermarket? Take these tips with you to make an informed choice. At Whole Foods, all turkeys are raised on farms in nearby Pennsylvania. Turkeys are fed a vegetarian diet and there are never any antibiotics, added hormones, solutions, or injections.

• Frozen: The most common supermarket choices are culled from this year’s turkey harvest and are among the most affordable. Prepare as you would a fresh turkey, but be sure to leave ample time to thaw before cooking.


• Fresh: These birds are raised to reach the perfect size just before the holiday season, and are then processed and stored just above the freezing point; this may create a thin layer of soft ice on the skin, but allows for the freshest, juiciest turkey versus one that may have been raised and frozen months ahead of time.


• Organic: This certification applies to the turkey’s feeding, as well as to the farming, processing, and packaging. Heirloom: These breeds are chosen specifically for their flavor. They grow at a slower rate than most other turkeys and develop flavor naturally, with less fat. They also take much less time to cook.


• Brined: Brining adds extra flavor and moisture, as the turkey is prepared in a traditional mix of sea salt and water. Other spices may also be used.

Turkey is proven crowd pleaser and is a great choice for any family feast because it can feed groups of many sizes. To get the most from your bird, follow these suggestions.

• Get to the meat of the matter. For the best meat-to-bones ratio when feeding a smaller crowd, avoid ordering a turkey in the eight-pound range and go for a large bone-in breast instead.


• Assign turkey duty. Just as someone is in charge of slicing for the meal, put someone in charge of breaking down the turkey after the meal: sandwich meat, bones in the freezer for soup, and three cups of meat for a leftovers recipe.


• Learn to carve. Nicely done slices avoid waste by looking appealing and satisfying on the plate while allowing you to get the most from the carcass.
  Side dishes can be as satisfying as the turkey itself and are a great way to showcase your culinary skills. Unfortunately, many sides are laden with fat and calories. As you pull out your favorite recipes, you may be able to make some healthier substitutions. Try whole-wheat bread in stuffing, swap Neufchatel cheese for cream cheese, and opt for low-fat sour cream and low-sodium chicken broth.

The Entertainer

If you’re hosting a houseful of people even once this holiday season, some advance preparation can go a long way in reducing stress (and expenses) so you can enjoy your guests. Whole Foods offers a number of complete Thanksgiving dinner packages for any budget, as well as vegan options, bakery offerings, starters, and sides. Cheese boards, seafood platters, crudités, and desserts are available to round out your feast.

• Prepare the kitchen. Before things get crazy, organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer, and make yourself aware of which holiday pantry basics you have or need.


• Plan your menus. Create full menus and shopping lists for the meals you’ll need when you have company so you don’t overshop when the time comes.
  


• Use the freezer. Prepare big freezer-friendly recipes—lasagna, stew, chili, bean soup, breads, cookies, etc.—ahead of time so you can just heat and serve later.
  


• Make the more the merrier. Guests almost always ask what they can bring and enjoy contributing. Make a short list and be prepared when asked, leaving leeway for creativity and culinary talents.


• Don’t be shy to suggest a potluck. Most people like to show off their favorite holiday dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to share them!
  


• Make your décor do double duty. Decorate your table with winter squash, fresh herbs, citrus, apples, pears, pomegranates, and nuts, then use them later in recipes.
  


• Light up your celebration. A few long-burning beeswax or soy-based pillar candles can last the whole season. Place on plates ringed with edible décor.
  


• Be well! Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise so you build a strong immune system and don’t waste time and money getting sick.