Cooking for the Holidays? Stay Safe – and Healthy

‘Tis the season when many folks get reacquainted with a place they might avoid much of the year: the kitchen. So let’s re-examine some old advice and share fresh tips to help you have a safe, healthy and delicious holiday.

Safety First

Poultry juice, yuck. Handling the bird on turkey day — especially if you’re new to this — can be messy. But is it dangerous? Possibly. Raw meat can carry the bacteria salmonella and listeria. Use different cutting boards for poultry and vegetables, even vegetables you tuck under the bird. The good news? You don’t need to rinse poultry — that just introduces more chances to splash liquids that could cause cross-contamination. Really, you want a drier bird, not a wetter one. Patting your poultry dry with paper towels will make the skin crispier.

Raw eggs? Still a hard no. We’re looking at you, eggnog and cookie dough. Anyone with a compromised immune system, young kids, pregnant people and those undergoing cancer treatment should definitely avoid. (Adding spirits to your nog will not help and can suppress your immune response even further.) But! Not all cookie dough contains raw eggs; grocery-store cookie dough labeled “safe to eat” uses pasteurized eggs, which technically are cooked. Enjoy!

Hold old is that spice? If your spices gather dust from one year to the next, or their packaging harks back to another decade, the problem is not harm but taste. Flavors change and lose intensity over time — cut your losses and pony up for new. Only need a teaspoon? Save money by sharing with family members or create a group chat spice swap with friends. Buy whole spices and grind your own; they will stay fresh much longer.

The two-hour rule. You’ve got appies out all day and guests lingering over dinner. How to manage this safely while giving folks what they want when they want it? While nothing should sit out for more than two hours, for cold foods like cheeses or charcuterie boards, put your board over a tray of ice to keep it cool longer. For hot things, use chafing dishes or a crockpot to keep warm — just keep covered and don’t leave utensils in the serving dishes. If your family prizes leftovers, put those things away as soon as possible to extend their life.

Healthy Holidays

White meat vs. dark. Yes, white meat is healthier — much leaner, less saturated fat — as long as you’re not eating the skin. If dark meat is your must-have for a holiday dinner, it’s fine. On the other hand, a lot of things on the table are high in saturated fats — butter, gravy, desserts — so maybe choose white meat for balance?

Nap time. Yes, turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can influence mood and sleep, but not in high amounts. What’s making you sleepy is simply overeating. To counteract, take a short, easy walk within 30 minutes of a big meal. It will help digestion and regulation of blood sugar, and keep you alert for the big game.

Recipe swaps. Apple sauce and Greek yogurt are reliable swaps for fats in many baked goods, but it’s essential to understand the purpose of the item you’re removing. For example, buttermilk is a leavener; if you switch to a plant-based milk, you’re not going to get the same height in that cupcake. If it’s a recipe you’ve never made before, be cautious about swaps.

Hair of the dog. We’ll just say it: There is no recommended amount of alcohol, for any reason. If you do drink, make sure you eat, and have plenty of water, so you forestall that hangover in the first place.

Fresh vs. canned. Pumpkin, cranberries and green beans all come in cans. Or you can make it from scratch. The problem with canned — affordable, and just as nutritious if not more so, because they are picked at peak ripeness — is not the fruit or vegetable, it’s what else is in that can. Beware of added sugar and salt.

Holiday cravings. Beloved foods can bring back joyful memories; the problem comes with how much you’re having. Know your why: Is that bûche de Noël something you look forward to once a year, or are the holidays just an excuse to overdo it? (Pro tip: The holidays are filled with special treats; consider saving that over-the-top recipe for a time when there’s less competition. You might enjoy it even more.)

Saving for a splurge. “Saving” calories to spend later is never a great idea. Your body is used to calories being spread out; it’s not going to process the same amount all at once in the same way. If you plan on eating more later in the day, have an earlier lighter meal — with things you know you’re not going to eat later, like vegetables. And eat breakfast; it will help you stay mindful and satisfied later.

This content is not AI generated.