6 of Buzzfeed’s Most Delicious Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks One Needs To Know

It seems like the older we get the more responsibilities come our way and Thanksgiving isn’t any exception.  It was all fun and games when you were little, but now you have to put in the work and cook that feast!

The Holidays are about connecting with family which can be a gift and a curse.  We share love with each other and we air grievances.  Sometimes we’re forced to deal with long-standing family matters and sometimes people don’t like the potatoes.

Most likely, there is no escaping these things BUT there is a way to make it EASIER! Allow me to explain, here are the top 6 life saving Thanksgiving cooking hacks from Rachel Sander’s list of 17 on Buzzfeed.

1. Every kid knows that Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the mashed potatoes.

And what better way then with extra fluff. Yes we love FLUFF!!! So add a little baking soda to your mashed potatoes and leave no excuses for your taste buds.

Rachel explains that, “the heat of the potatoes triggers the baking powder’s chemical reaction, and the CO2 produced = extra fluffiness. Try this simple recipe from an old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.”

Add a little baking powder to make mashed potatoes extra fluffy.

2. Let’s be honest, potato peeling sucks. Instead boil your potatoes whole then place them in a bowl of ice water. The shock help slip the potato skin off simply with your hands.

If you are short on time and want to make your day even easier let science and technology do the work for you. First, microwave the potatoes. No boiling them because it takes up unnecessary time. Follow the recipe directions here.

And if you want to be really smart when it comes to cleaning the potatoes put them through the dishwasher. Just rinse, no added dish soap… please and thank you.

3. The Turkey stuffing isn’t something to be taken lightly.

While most people argue over who has the best recipe, YOU, my dear, should work on how to make it best for serving! The simplest and easiest way to get that crispy surface is to bake your stuffing in muffin tins. It also makes it easier for single servings.

4. The best thing you can do to add more room in the oven on Thanksgiving day is to slow-roast your turkey overnight.

Slow-roast your turkey overnight to free up oven space the day of.

5.The secret ninja ingredient to an even more delicious gravy topping is adding soy sauce.

Your best bet is always basing a gravy off yummy turkey pan drippings. But if a) you didn’t save them b) you’re vegetarian or c) your gravy’s just a little bland, a splash of umami is the easiest way to bring out flavor (science says!). Try adding a spoonful of regular soy sauce, Liquid Aminos, or Maggi seasoning. -Rachel Sanders

Try this basic recipe.

Make gravy instantly great by adding soy sauce.

6. Cooking the turkey takes more than just practice and skills, it takes smarts.

So to avoid getting dry turkey breast, ice down the top before roasting it to keep from drying out. There you go! Look at you! You solve the problem of white meat cooking faster than dark by starting the top off at a lower temperature. Give yourself a round of applause and Check it out here.

Ice down the turkey’s breast before roasting to keep it from drying out.