Thanksgiving Survival Guide | 2014

I've searched the archives and found a bunch of Thanksgiving related links for you as you prepare for a house of in-laws that you didn't really want coming over anyways but now you have to cook for. While I can't take your in-laws off of your hands, I can make it a little easier for you with some recipes and tips posted here. Hope this helps!

Tips

• How to make gravy without the lumps

• How to Choose a Turkey

• How to Deep Fry a Turkey

• How to Roast a Turkey

• How to Stuff a Turkey

• Thanksgiving on a Budget

• How to Cook a Thanksgiving Dinner

• Three alternative Thanksgiving dishes

• Sleep in on Black Friday and do your shopping online.  You can check out my gift guide for cooks and foodies or head over to see some other Christmas Gift Guides and shop from the comfort of your own home.

Recipes

• 101 Cookbooks has a wide section of unique Thanksgiving recipes

• Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

• Creamed Turnip Recipe

• Sautéed Green Beans Recipe

• Holiday Mashed Potato Recipe

• Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe

• Traditional Stuffing Recipe

• Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Cranberry Salsa Recipe

• Turkey Chili Recipe

• Pumpkin Pie Recipe

• Pumpkin Pie Dip Recipe

• Green Bean Casserole Recipe

You can also explore The Cooking Blog deeper by browsing the turkey, and holiday tags.

The Truth About Cast Iron Pans

Here are some tips from Serious Eats on how to care for your cast iron pan

These are the only rules you need to know to have a successful lifelong relationship with your cast iron.

Season it when you get it.

Even pre-seasoned cast iron can do with some extra protection.To season your pan, heat it up on the stovetop until its smoking hot, then rub a little oil into it and let it cool. Repeat this process a few times and you're good to go.

Clean it after each use.

Clean your pan thoroughly after each use by washing it with soap and water and scrubbing out any gunk or debris from the bottom. I use the scrubby side of a sponge for this.

Re-season it.

Rinse out any excess soap with water, then place the skillet over a burner set to high heat. When most of the water inside the skillet has dried out, add a half teaspoon of a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, flaxseed, or shortening. Rub it around with a paper towel. Continue heating the pan until it just starts to smoke then give it one more good rub. Let it cool and you're done.

Fry and Sear in it.

The best way to keep your seasoning maintained? Just use your pan a lot! The more you fry, sear, or bake in it, the better that seasoning will become.

Don't let it stay wet.

Water is the natural enemy of iron and letting even a drop of water sit in your pan when you put it away can lead to a rust spot. Not the end of the world, but rust will require a little scrubbing and reseasoning. I always dry out my pan with a paper towel and coat it with a tiny amount of oil before storage.

How to make the perfect cheese plate

Choose a variety of cheeses.  Choose an older, firmer cheese (such as sharp cheddar), a soft, fresher cheese (such as brie), a goat’s milk cheese, and a blue cheese.  Jordon loves a marble and a swiss.

Serve with plain crackers or bread. Don’t use breads or crackers that have spices in them...it will interfere with the flavoring of the cheese.  Add foods like apples, grapes, pears, olives, and nuts.   Chutneys, jams, and honey are also good.

A good rule of thumb is two ounces of each cheese per person. Arrange the cheese on a plate from mildest to strongest. If you’re not sure which is strongest, smell it. Stinkier cheeses are usually stronger tasting. Serve at room temperature for fullest flavour.

Gordon Ramsey Makes Scrambled Eggs

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds