Holiday Cooking Skills

Updated October 18, 2012
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

Credit: James Carrier

Carving a Turkey Tout

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 Tout

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 Tout

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

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Decorating Gingerbread Houses Tout

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

Credit: Mary Ellen Bartley

How to Make Royal Icing Tout

Royal icing is an essential part of holiday baking, and oh so simple to make yourself.

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Decorating Cookies

Decorating Cookies Tout

Learn how to decorate gorgeous iced Christmas cookies.

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Making a Spice Bag

Credit: Tina Cornett; Styling: Mary Lyn Hill Jenkins

Making a Spice Bag Tout

Make your own spice bag for using in mulled wines or spiced ciders. 

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Making a Layer Cake

Credit: Tina Cornett

Making a Layer Cake Tout

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 Tout

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

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

How to Freeze Cookie Dough Tout

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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