Christmas is coming faster than a snowflake in a blizzard. For all thosehome chefs out there worldwide, are you ready? Do you have the major ingredients? Do you have the minor ones? are you ready for both Christmas Eve and Christmas? Take a deep breath and think.
Of course you have the main course - whether it be ham, turkey or crown rib. Do you have all the extras that make these meats tasty? Brown sugar is used for baking but t's also the key ingredient in ham glaze. Usually one ham requires two cups of brown sugar. You have enough time (really until Thursday until four to six PM depending upon your local store's hours)If you find your self short on Christmas use more honey or even white granulated sugar for the glaze.You could also add a splash of orange or apple juice instead of the sugar for less sweetness and more flavor. As for the turkey is there enough butter to rub under the skin for a flavorful meat.This usually requires a stick of butter but you can use a scant half cup of olive oil. Luckily crown rib doesn't;t require any prep but you may need string to tie it twine would be a better choice because of its' sturdiness. however if you don;t have this then use double cords of strings to mold the meat into the classic crown shape.
What about the sides and desserts? Do you have enough potatoes for mashed or scalloped.If you're going old school and making them from scratch make sure you also have plenty of milk and butter.If you;re low on both then use olive oil.It provides a lighter , dairy free kind of mash that's still perfect for gravy. Do you have enough sweet potatoes or yams? Keep in mind that one yam or sweet potato is adequate for one person. Little ones could probably split them with the other smaller guests.If you're inviting ten people then have ten yams. if there are four kids also then just buy two extra sweet potatoes or yams.What about the greens Do you have enough sprouts or green beans.If you're making the famed green bean casserole do you have the other ingredients like the cream of mushroom soup and the crunchy onion rings for the topping? There's also milk in this so make sure you have enough for it. As for the desserts, Yes,C Christmas is cookie time and by now you should have a few trays of different types. However Christmas dinner deserves a spectacular ending. Do you have all the ingredients for Death By Chocolate or tiramisu? what about enough brandy for a boozy trifle? Or ice cream and syrup for a fabulous Christmas sundae for the kids?
Christmas is coming. Take a deep breath and embrace it. Make sure you and your kitchen are ready for it. Then enjoy the day and the flavors of the season.
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