Let’s be honest, if we have anything is common, it’s the fact that during the holidays the most pressing hassle that we face is trying to make the perfect, grand meal for the whole fam. We want to make it all; mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, stuffed turkey, pies and the list goes on, but this year, we have to let go and let Chef Micheal help us navigate the trials of festive cooking. He specially put together these tips for the Cosmo girls (and guys) that love to cook.
The Turkey:
For cooking the perfect turkey, first brine the turkey in a saltwater solution overnight for at least 12 hours. This ensures that the turkey will not be dry, and the meat will be well seasoned and tender. Chef White recommends a red currant jelly glaze to add a touch of sweetness to the rich turkey.
The Trimmings:
For your traditional yet flavorful trimmings, prepare a selection of brussels sprouts, squash and potatoes. Cut brussels sprouts in half and sear them on the cut side in olive oil and butter until they are golden brown. For squash, also cut it in half, scooping out the seeds, brushing it with maple syrup, salt, pepper, and sage leaves; then slow roasting it in the oven. Bake the potatoes, crush them, and then pan roast them after they have cooled down.
The Gravy:
The best way to thicken gravy is by making a softened butter and adding a few tablespoons of flour to it; basically, making a traditional roux.
The Pie:
The perfect pie crust demands cold ingredients, especially cold butter and working with it as little as possible. If you overwork the dough, it will not be flaky.
The nontraditional dessert:
Take panettone and make a trifle out of it. Slice the panettone first, then soak it with a small amount of orange blossom water and simple syrup and layer it with custard.
These are his top 5 general tips:
1. Do the prep work over a couple of days so that you don’t have to do everything at the last minute
2. Get friends and family involved; a potluck dinner is always more fun
3. Set the table and decorate it early
4. Don’t be upset when it doesn’t all come together at the right time. Tis the season and having fun with friends and family is the most important part.
5. Keep it simple. Less is more.