Holiday Cooking Skills

Updated: October 11, 2014
Feel a little bewildered when it comes to carving a turkey, making gravy, or baking layer cakes?  Learn these essential holiday cooking skills from our experts.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Carving a Turkey

James Carrier
Carving a Turkey
Carving a turkey properly is an essential skill for getting the most meat possible from your bird.
Advertisement

2 of 11

Preparing a Turkey for Roasting

Preparing a Turkey for Roasting
Your Thanksgiving turkey will be juicy and flavorful when you follow these tips for preparing a turkey for roasting. 

3 of 11

Making Gravy

Making Gravy
Gravy is a key part of most holiday tables—and making your own is easier than you may think.
Advertisement

4 of 11

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Decorating Gingerbread Houses
Who doesn't love making and decorating graham cracker gingerbread houses?  Learn how with this step-by-step video.  (The gorgeous Gingerbread Lighthouse pictured here is courtesy of the fantastic staff at Coastal Living).

5 of 11

How to Make Royal Icing

Photo: Mary Ellen Bartley
How to Make Royal Icing
Royal icing is an essential part of holiday baking, and oh so simple to make yourself.

6 of 11

Decorating Cookies

Decorating Cookies
Learn how to decorate gorgeous iced Christmas cookies.
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Making a Spice Bag

Photo: Tina Cornett; Styling: Mary Lyn Hill Jenkins
Making a Spice Bag
Make your own spice bag for using in mulled wines or spiced ciders. 

8 of 11

Making a Layer Cake

Photo: Tina Cornett
Making a Layer Cake
Learn tips for baking the perfect holiday layer cake.

9 of 11

How to Make a Pie Crust

How to Make a Pie Crust
While storebought pie crusts make a nice pie, it's so satisfying to make your own pastry crust.  Learn how with this step-by-step video. 
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
Freezing cookie dough ahead of time makes holiday cooking baking a truly stress-free activity. Our tips make freezing dough easy as pie.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement