Rehearsal Dinner

Next week is the test for experienced and novice home chefs. If any one is having qualms about cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, them consider a kind of dress rehearsal. It not only hones skills at creating a particular dish , it acts as a gauge as to whether it will be a hot or not with your gourmands.

Cooking two turkeys in a week is madness however doing a try out with a capon is OK. It is more or less the same weight wise  about ten to twelve pounds. Capons (basically a castrated rooster) cook up the same  and have to be basted just as a turkey. Many supermarkets don't sell them however a poultry farm or dealer will have them.They're also great for leftovers , a boon during this busy  cooking week. This is also the time to try out new sides  too as well as understanding how to make them. This is great for those trying out stalked Brussels sprouts as well as experimenting with different types of stuffing or mashed potatoes. Experiment with spices now as well. Nothing is more upsetting or disheartening than someone not liking your creation on Thanskgiving because it's either too bland or too fiery. If you have enough you can make a few variations and have  a family vote on which  is the best. You may think those mashed parsnips are the bomb, your kids may want them liberally sprinkled with bacon.

You can also try rehearsal baking and dessert making too. This is helpful in making more intricate desserts such as souffles and mousses. The more you make them, the better the chance of creating the perfect one for the holiday. Also a rehearsal can let you experiment with different spices. Instead of the usual cinnamon you can sub in nutmeg and see what the reaction is. For first time pie bakers this is a plus. You can master the subtleties of a tender  crust or creamy filling. Thanksgiving can also be the tryout time for even Christmas cookies . Get familiar with  those Italian wedding cookies or chocolate swirls. Besides the kids would rather have cookies than pie to finish off the turkey dinner.Rehearsal times also means doing test runs with punches and mixed drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic.

Rehearsal dinners are important to any big holiday meal. They help you understand what to cook and how to cook or bake it. A try out is always crucial to creating memorable holiday meals.