 | Brian Bulot is manager of G&W Foods in Girard and has been in the Grocery Retail business for 27 years. For more information please call 620-724-4411. |
Food & Drink
2010-12-01 14:26:00
How to plan a restaurant style meal at home
Question: Can you give me some tips on creating a restaurant style meal at home for the holidays? What are the considerations of frying a turkey?
Answer: Cooking a holiday meal can be quite an undertaking, but with a little planning, you can create a meal that would rival any restaurant for much less than you would spend going out.
First, let’s address frying the turkey. The actual process is simply armed with a good recipe and the turkey fryer instructions. The main consideration here is safety. You did not mention the ages of the guest that will be attending, but it is safe to assume that there might be children or pets. Frying always poses a safety issue with oil heated to high temperatures in a sometimes awkwardly shaped fryer. Always make sure the fryer is safe away from children or curious animals. Remember that even once the turkey is done, the oil will still need to cool down. One option is to fry the turkey before guests arrive and then place in the oven covered. This gives the oil time to cool and prevents injury.
Next, to give the meal the restaurant touch, choose sides that are flavorful and take dishes beyond ordinary. For example, use chicken broth to cook mashed potatoes and add sour cream instead of milk for that gourmet touch. Use fresh produce and garnishes. Semi-homemade sides such as breadsticks made from frozen bread dough and rolled in spices will fill the house with a wonderful aroma. Remember, many of our favorite restaurant meals are not complex. They are just meals created using spices and ingredients that we may not use frequently at home.
