I’m a home pro: my tips will ensure your Christmas turkey tastes better than ever
IF you’re tasked with cooking Christmas dinner this year, follow these steps to ensure your turkey doesn’t dry out.
A home decor expert revealed her go-to tips for perfecting your holiday meal.
In her viral videoTikTok user Babs (@brunchwithbabs) showed her followers how to best prepare their turkeys during the holidays.
For her first hack, she recommended avoiding larger turkeys that weigh about 30 pounds.
Instead, the expert advised her audience to grab two smaller ones of about seven kilos each if they have a larger group to feed.
She explained that small birds cook faster, are “easier to handle” and have more tender meat.
Read more about Christmas tips
Babs also told her followers never to wait until Christmas Eve to thaw their turkeys.
She demonstrated it by taking her turkey out of the freezer to show it to the audience.
“This bird is like a big ice cube, the rule of thumb is one day in the refrigerator for every two pounds of turkey,” she said.
Babs also explained why you should always avoid washing your turkey.
She revealed that the step actually spreads bacteria “all over the sink and countertop.”
The expert also shared her tips when it comes to setting the temperature of your oven.
“Never roast your turkey at the same temperature the entire time, start high and then add low,” she advised.
She also recommended considering alternative cooking methods instead of the traditional way.
Babs pointed out that cooking your turkey will take half the time, leaving you with a “juicier inside” and a “crispier outside.”
Finally, she suggested letting your turkey “rest” for at least 40 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving it.
As a bonus tip, she pointed out that you can use your turkey carcass to make turkey soup.
How do you care for your real Christmas tree?
HERE’S what you need to know when buying a real Christmas tree:
First things first: buy a jar (if it isn’t already in).
You should treat your tree like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage. It’s a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil every day to make sure it is not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels damp, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check that the LED bulbs of your tree lights are not too hot, as this can burn them, and keep your tree away from radiators.
Once Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
However, it is a good idea to remove it from the pot when you replant it, as large trees do not survive well in pots as their roots need room to grow.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the advice in the comments section.
“Honey, I’m a chef and you are absolutely perfect!!!‘ wrote one impressed viewer.
“I love a spatchcock turkey. The first time I did it, the turkey was done in 45 minutes!‘, said another follower.
“Turkey soup the next day is so delicious. The broth is one of the richest I’ve ever had” said a third person.
“Word. I organize every year, but the largest turkey I buy is eight kilograms, the bigger the dryer,” another TikTok user wrote.