Tips for the Perfect Holiday Dinner #HormelFamily

November 19, 2012 by
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Can you believe I’ve never cooked a ham or turkey?  LOL, I hope I’m not the only one.  In my defense, I’ve never yet had a Thanksgiving or Christmas in my own home.  This Thanksgiving will be no different.  We’ll be spending the holiday with my Aunts and Uncle, and my brothers and sisters.

I’m actually nervous for the day when I do have to cook a holiday meal.  I’m not sure I’d know where to start.  Okay, so I can probably whip up a few delicious sides, no problem.  But, the thought of cooking a bird scares me.

If you approach holiday cooking with the same trepidation I do check out this YouTube video by Hormel test kitchen director Joan Hanson.  You’ll find tips on how to make the perfect turkey and ways to spice up your holiday side dishes.  I watched this video going, “Ohhhh”, “Interesting”, and “That makes sense”.

Maybe you’ve got the meat thing down to an art but are nervous about the sides.  Simple sides like mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar, and steamed green beans with a lemon pepper butter sauce are always winners.  I love Joan’s idea for crumbled bacon sprinkled over green beans!  Doesn’t that sound delish?

Do you have any secrets on how to make the perfect turkey or ham?

Or, if you’re like me and have the side dishes down to an art,

What is your favorite holiday, must-have side dish?

Disclosure: I wrote this post as a Hormel Extended Family blogger.  I received promotional items in exchange for my participation in the program. In addition, this post will count as an entry into a contest for Hormel Extended Family Bloggers.

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Filed Under: food, Holidays
About Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom

Amy is mom to three, wife to one, and a sister and aunt to many. Her family is a former military family now settled in Lehi, Utah. Oh So Savvy Mom began as a way for Amy to share parenting and product advice with others. Just as she has evolved, Oh So Savvy Mom has evolved into a resource for Healthy Living for Families, Food, Parenting, and Family Travel.

Comments

  1. Karen Medlin says
    November 19, 2012 at 11:29 pm
    My must have side dish is Sweet potatoes casserole and fresh cranberry relish
  2. joanna garcia says
    November 25, 2012 at 2:27 pm
    my favorite side item to make is pumpkin pie and mac and cheese!
  3. Gina Brickell says
    December 9, 2012 at 7:32 am
    I absolutely love cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving. I do remember the first time doing it though and I was soooo scared! I called my mom dozens of times asking probably the stupidest questions, but I would have been devastated to have ruined it! It gets easier every year and when it comes your first time, you'll do great!