Christmas dinner cooking hacks

For most of us Christmas time is all about the food, and here at Good Housekeeping we've picked up a few foolproof tips and tricks to ensure your recipes are a success. Whether you want advice on cooking your turkey or need to save a gravy disaster, the GH Cookery Team have you covered.

By Francesca MenatoPublished: 04 December 2014

Serveware, Dishware, Food, Tableware, Cuisine, Dish, Turkey meat, Ingredient, Hendl, Drinkware,

Stale mince pies

Cuisine, Food, Dish, Ingredient, Recipe, Finger food, Serveware, Comfort food, Meal, Dishware,

Sometimes our stock of mince pies is too much even for us. If you've got some that are past their best, use them as an ice cream topper.

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Berry decoration

Text, Font, Hardwood, Photo caption, Still life photography, Wood flooring,

Add a finishing touch to your presentation with berries, just make sure they're dry before you start.

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Poultry garnish

Orange, Produce, Citrus, Natural foods, Ingredient, Fruit, Tangerine, Food, Bitter orange, Mandarin orange,

Add stuffing balls for the perfect poultry garnish.

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Marzipan alternative

If you don't like marzipan, you can save the Christmas cake with 2 layers of sugar paste or one layer and an added layer of royal icing.

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Gravy flour fails

Serveware, Dishware, Drinkware, Recipe, Porcelain, Saucer, Ceramic, Chemical compound, Kitchen utensil, Teacup,

Dinner isn't dinner without the gravy, so use these foolproof tips to salvage yours.

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Gravy disaster

Ingredient, Food, Fruit, Frutti di bosco, Produce, Berry, Serveware, Sweetness, Recipe, Boysenberry,

Try our ultimate gravy recipe, but don't worry if you've over seasoned.

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The size of your turkey

Serveware, Dishware, Stemware, Barware, Glass, Tableware, Drinkware, Recipe, Holiday, Wine glass,

Use our foolproof time planner to get your cooking times just right.

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Using dried herbs

Petal, Botany, Moisture, Annual plant, Dew, Macro photography,

Never underestimate the power of a dried herb.

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Icing your Christmas cake

Orange, Bottle, Drinkware, Glass bottle, Peach, Serveware, Sweetness, Still life photography, Distilled beverage, Baked goods,

Get prepared by icing your Christmas cake early.

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Boring mincepies

Food, Jaw, Finger food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Tooth, Recipe, Sweetness, Dish, Comfort food,

Save time by buying your mincemeat from the supermarket, but add some extra flavouring.

Add 1-2tbsp brandy, the zest of one lemon and one chopped ginger stem per 454g jar.

Or try our ultimate mince pie recipe.

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Canapé question

Cuisine, Food, Sweetness, Ingredient, Tableware, Finger food, Dish, Agua de valencia, Serveware, Recipe,

If you're throwing a soiree that is all about the canapés, ensure you have enough to go round.

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Spoilt appetites

Food, Finger food, Cuisine, Dish, Baked goods, Serveware, Recipe, Dishware, Ingredient, Snack,

Don't fill people up with pre-dinner snacks when you've put so much effort into the main event.

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Baste your bird

Cuisine, Food, Dish, Recipe, Ingredient, Fried food, Meat, Cooking, Serveware, Comfort food,

Keep your turkey from going dry by basting it at least three times as it cooks.

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Leftover gravy

Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Fluid, Dish, Recipe, Stew, Soup, Comfort food, Produce,

Don't throw gravy away. You'll be happy to have less work a week later when the festive season has past.

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Bread sauce

Ingredient, Cuisine, Dishware, Sweetness, Garnish, Recipe, Dish, Comfort food, Meal, Plate,

If you're adding this classic touch to your bread sauce, give it a crumple - you'll notice the results.

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