Solutions to common Turkey Day disasters:
Dry, bland turkey: Let the turkey stand for 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven – an essential part of the roasting process that gives juices time to settle in.
Take drippings from the pan, add several cans of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Carve the turkey and pour the broth mixture into a large casserole dish. Place the carved turkey pieces without the skin into the dish and baste with the liquid. Cover with foil and heat in the oven 5-10 minutes before serving
Forgot to put the turkey in the oven, forgot to turn the oven on, or turned it on too late: Your turkey will cook much faster if you cut it up and increase the surface area exposed to the heat. Cut it into wings, legs, and breasts and bake in a large, rimmed baking sheet at 375 degrees. Or, cut up the turkey and grill or deep-fry it.
Burned or overcooked an important dish: If a vegetable is becoming overcooked, place the pot or pan in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Ask yourself if the burned item could go into another dish – burned potatoes or overcooked green beans can become an au gratin dish. Scrape off the burned bits, sprinkle shredded cheese or bread crumbs on top, and place under the broiler for a few minutes to melt or brown.
The turkey took forever and now the side dishes are cold: A microwave oven is insulated and will keep a hot pot war about a half hour. A cooler can hold and keep warm covered pots and stacked serving dishes. An insulated ice bucker or a Crock-Pot can keep rice or mashed potatoes warm. A thermos will keep gravy hot. Put a heating pad inside a soft-sided insulated food carrier to keep a casserole cozy. A barbecue gas grill set on low will serve as a warming oven.
Lumpy mashed potatoes: The choice of potato makes a difference. Russets tend to stay creamier, while Yukon Golds are prone to lumps. Heat the milk before you add it, because the starch in the potatoes will clump together from the cold milk. Run the potatoes through a food mill or fine-mesh strainer once or put back in the pot, add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of milk, and continue to mash and warm. Or, just say they’re supposed to be that way.
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