Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Getting Ready for the Holidays

I am sure that many people are already planning their menus and wondering if Uncle Fred will fall asleep at the table again.  What many people over look are the tools that you use on the holidays.  I know some who have a special carving set just for the turkey or other meats that we consume at this time.  However, how many of those special sets are really sharp? Do you know the difference between honing and sharpening? A steel is used for honing the blade.  Basically when you use a knife, small bits of the blade turn against the blade as it wears.  These small bits of steel keep the blade from cutting at those points.  It makes the blade dull.  Using a steel knocks those off making the blade cut true again.  Sharpening puts a new edge on the blade.   I recommend that you SHARPEN the blade on that carving set and HONE the blade while using.

Also if you do not have a Roasting Pan - get one.  The Aluminum ones just don't cut it when it comes to things like making gravy or browning your bird before roasting.  I can tell you that when they collapse it can be very devastating!! The investment in a good roasting pan is paid back many times.

Over the next few weeks I will have more tips on holiday cooking.