Thanksgiving is one of the holiday seasons we look forward to every year. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. We come together to enjoy the feast with family and friends. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner usually consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Your kitchen will be the busiest this holiday season, and cooking for your family may seem daunting.
Almost all of the population in the United States has a small kitchen. Yet despite this space limitation, the Thanksgiving feast is still possible. With some pre-planning and creativity, you can easily prepare and enjoy a fantastic holiday meal in your tiny kitchen.
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Get organized
Proper organization is critical when it comes to cooking in a small kitchen. Before you start cooking anything, take the time to declutter and organize your kitchen. You can get rid of items that are not essential during this season and make sure everything has its place. So you don’t have to search for what you need and can easily grab what you need quickly. For example, you can store all the nonessential items in a closet or cabinet and move everything else to a place easily accessible – condiments and other things like flour or sugar.
Preparation is key
Make sure to plan and write down a grocery list. It will help you figure out precisely what you need for your Thanksgiving meal, so you don’t have to buy anything unnecessary. Moreover, make sure the grocery list is those you need for the menu and have enough of them. With the small kitchen you have, optimize your space, what can be stored, and what needs to be refrigerated. It should also include spices, herbs, and other recipe ingredients.
Pre-Prep the Meal
Thanksgiving meal preparation can be overwhelming when it comes to timing and ensuring everything is ready at once, so consider doing some prep work ahead. Peel potatoes and carrots, prepare stuffing ingredients, and make sauces in advance. It will help you save time and energy when it’s time to cook. You can also cause side dishes like cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes a day before Thanksgiving.
Utilize Your Appliances
Using the right kitchen appliances can make a huge difference when cooking in a small kitchen. A slow cooker or an instant pot is perfect for making soups and stews, while an air fryer can cook delicious side dishes. With an electric frying pan, you can cook foods that require high heat when cooking multiple items simultaneously. It means that you must be creative enough to know how to make the most out of your kitchen appliances.
Break Up Turkey
Turkey is the main dish on the Thanksgiving table, and it takes up a lot of space in the oven. Consider breaking down the turkey into smaller pieces to fit everything at once. You can separate each part of the turkey – like legs and wings – to cook them faster and more evenly.
Clean As You Go
While cooking, make sure to clean up as you go. You’ll save a lot of time after the meal has been cooked and served. Have enough towels and sponges around so you can quickly wipe everything down. Clean pots, pans, and utensils as soon as you finish using them.
Remember that a tiny kitchen does not mean you cannot enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones. You can still have a fantastic traditional meal with proper planning and organization this holiday season.
source: https://homeremodelpro.com/dont-let-your-tiny-kitchen-ruin-your-thanksgiving/
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