Holiday Cooking Skills

October 18, 2012
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr
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.
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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.
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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. 

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Making Gravy

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

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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.

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Decorating Cookies

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

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Making a Layer Cake

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

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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. 
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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.
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