Holidays

Holiday Etiquette Tips to Help You Survive the Holiday Season

The table is set, you’ve planned the perfect holiday meal including a succulent roast and all the fixin’s to go with it but what about avoiding the drama that comes with holiday gatherings? 

We’ve compiled a list of simple etiquette tips to keep everyone in your family off the naughty list! 

DO: ask guests to bring a specific dish, appetizer or dessert. This allows them to prepare that special Jello-O mold or Heavenly Hash without the worry of duplicate dishes. DON’T: argue if they choose to bring any extras. Seriously, it’s not worth going to the mat over whether or not Aunt Edna’s squash casserole is better than your mother’s recipe. 

DO: bring up special something you can all be thankful for some recent “wins” in your lives over the year. DON’T: discuss religion, annoying pet peeves and especially POLITICS. There is a seat for everyone at the table regardless of who they voted for the last election. 

DO: enjoy a nice glass of wine or champagne (if you are over 21, of course) and plan to have wine or libations for guests. DON’T: over imbibe on the sauce (see the above “DON’T”). 

DO: Keep your toasts, thoughts and prayers on the positive side. DON’T: spend too much on a toast as the food sits before your guests smelling wonderful and turning cold. 

DO: if you are a guest at someone else’s home ask if you can bring a PLUS-1 or any other guests that your hosts may not be aware of such as out-of-town guests. DON’T: bring any pets with you without the expressed permission of your host. Besides, a houseful of people could really bring out the stress in your otherwise docile pooch. 

DO: Ask your guests if they have any food allergies or intolerances. These days many people have gone gluten-free or Paleo or low-carbing it and they will be happy to offer to bring a dish that they can enjoy. If you are feeling so inclined you could certainly try your hand at a gluten-free casserole. DON’T: make your guests feel bad about their diet or dietary restrictions. In many cases, they would rather woof down those buttered mashed potatoes. 

DO: set an end time or be a good host about those lingering guests. DON’T: snatch plates or drinks out of the hands of guests. Instead, start cleaning up certain entertainment areas. Start with the bar…that should move things along. 

Lastly, don’t stress the small stuff and do your best to enjoy yourself as a host or a guest. Happy Holidays! 

Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes to Be Thankful For

Now that all forms of potatoes, sliced turkey and gelatin molds have found their rightful place in burped Tupperware on your fridge shelves, here are some recipes that will put those Thanksgiving leftovers to good use. 

Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Casserole 

This is the perfect recipe to re-purpose stuffing (if you have any left) and turkey. What makes this casserole unique is that it is a breakfast dish but you can eat it any time of day! 

Turkey Enchiladas 

Who says you can’t have Mexican fare with those turkey leftovers? This mouthwatering recipe for turkey enchiladas will be a real crowd-pleaser that you will want to make year-round. 

Cornbread Stuffing Fried Rice 

This side dish is so good it’s practically its own food group and can double as a main dish. 

Turkey & Spinach Stuffing Casserole

This is the perfect combo and the best way to make sue of those traditional leftovers doesn’t go to waste. We’re talking cranberries, turkey, cheese, spinach and anything else you want to throw in there. 

Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake Brownies 

Enjoy your leftovers and your just desserts with this delectable recipe for cranberry sauce cheesecake brownies. And the best part? It’s easy! 

Thanksgiving in a Blanket 

If casseroles are not your thing, then this recipe is for you! It’s basically pigs in a blanket but stuffed full of well…stuffing and all the fixin’s from your Thanksgiving feast. 

When all else fails and you are over those turkey recipes, you can always swing by the Gourmet Meat & Sausage Shop for one of our succulent roasts, mouthwatering meats or our freshly-prepared meatloaf ready to pop in the oven! 

Simple 7 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Properly Carve a Turkey

Whether you fry or bake your bird this Thanksgiving, the moment that turkey takes its place on the table there are is immense pressure to properly carve it. 

No bones about it, even the most seasoned cooks still struggle with the technique of cutting into that succulent meat. 

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to properly carve a turkey:

Tools and Prep:

Large cutting board, a good long slicing knife, a large platter, and tongs. Allow your bird to rest for approximately 30 to 40 minutes before carving. 

Step 1: 

Don’t make the mistake of trying to carve a turkey while it’s sitting on the platter. Instead, prepare your bird by placing it on your cutting board. If you stuffed your bird, you will need to cut the string first. 

Step 2: 

You will want to remove the thighs and legs first. Using your long flexible chef’s knife (or a boning knife) start by cutting where the breast and drumsticks are connected. Grab a paper towel and then grab the leg making sure you are applying pressure to pull and disconnect the thigh and leg from the turkey. 

Step 3: 

After you have successfully separated BOTH thighs and drumsticks from the bird, set them aside on another plate for the time being. 

Step 4: 

Now you are ready to remove that wishbone. This important step is essential and allows the breast meat to be easily carved. Using your fingers, find it towards the front of the breast and pull it out. 

Step 5:

Those turkey breasts are now ready to be carved. Locate the breastbone and using that same long, carving knife slice in a downward motion making sure to cut as close to the bone as you can. Ideally, you will want to want to remove it in one whole piece. While slicing, use your other hand to slowly pull the breast meat away from the bone. Place your breast meat onto the cutting board. 

Step 6: 

The wings are ready to be separated from the bird. Find the joint and slowly slice through the joint. Your wing should easily separate. Set aside on your dark meat platter and repeat the same step on the other side. 

Step 7: 

Finally, it’s time to slice the breast meat. One pro tip is to make sure that you’re slicing the meat at shorter lengths making sure you are slicing against the grain so that the skin stays attached—trapping in all those juices. 

Now, if this seems like too much pressure then you can check out our blog on spatchcocking a turkey which produces a juicier bird and eliminates the pressure to carve a turkey on the spot. 

Three Thanksgiving Dry Rub Recipes You will Want to Try this Holiday Season

In this week’s Gourmet Meat & Sausage Shop blog, we are continuing to talk turkey in preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving and holiday season. And speaking of preparation, we’ve compiled a list of turkey rubs to wow your guests this holiday season and even some you can pick up at our store.  

Dry Turkey Rub

This recipe for dry turkey rub doesn’t get any easier. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions: 

In a small bowl blend together with your dry ingredients. When ready, pat dry your bird with a paper towel and rub ingredients on the outside of your turkey making sure the whole bird is coated. 

Cajun Turkey Rub

This recipe will certainly spice things up if you plan on frying up your bird this holiday season. The best part? Most of the ingredients are already in your pantry. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 dried thyme
• 1 1/4 dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions: 

Put dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix together until well blended. Pat dry your turkey with a paper towel and make sure to not only cover the entire body of the bird but inside the bird as well.    

OR, you skip all these ingredients and buy a good rub. The Gourmet Meat & Sausage Shop is proud to carry local products from Big Es including some rubs that will take your meats to the next level.