{"id":187,"date":"2008-11-23T18:32:36","date_gmt":"2008-11-23T18:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cookhappylivehealthy.org\/blog\/?p=187"},"modified":"2008-11-23T18:32:36","modified_gmt":"2008-11-23T18:32:36","slug":"holiday-stress-reducing-secret-no-3-practice-new-recipes-ahead-of-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookhappylivehealthy.org\/blog\/holiday-stress-reducing-secret-no-3-practice-new-recipes-ahead-of-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Stress-Reducing Secret No. 3: Take a Trial Run"},"content":{"rendered":"

I am as guilty as can be on this one. <\/span>Over the years, I have repeatedly treated my holiday guests as guinea pigs. <\/span>This year, I’m only preaching a different line because I have been conducting a series of holiday cooking classes<\/a> that feature the recipes I’ll be making for Thanksgiving. <\/span>So I am experiencing firsthand how nice it is experiment on myself and my husband\u2014not 20 other people. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s tempting to look at a recipe and wonder, “What could possibly go wrong?” <\/span>In a word, “Plenty!” <\/span>The amount of spice may be too much or too little, the recipe’s cooking time may produce a way-overcooked dish, your taste buds may wish for more onion or mushrooms, the dish may be too dry. . . . Trust me, there are any number of things big or little that can be off in a recipe. <\/span>The good news is that most are easily fixable with just a little tinkering–something that’s possible if you’ve made the recipe once before!<\/p>\n

Remember that recipes are just starting points. <\/span>There are a few well-tested ones that will strike your taste buds perfectly right out of the box. <\/span>Most, however, are best after a few adjustments to suit your particular tastes.<\/p>\n

Of course if you don’t have time for a trial run, don’t get stressed (or check out Stress-Reducing Secret No. 4:\u00a0 Go Casual.)\u00a0 If you do have time, however, a little practice will provide a big boost of confidence and an equal reduction in meal-making anxiety on the big day.<\/p>\n

Want More Tips?<\/p>\n

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