Holiday tips from Olliffe: brining, planning and hosting like a pro
As the holiday season approaches, we’re sharing some tips, tricks and recipes from the culinary team at Olliffe. If you’d like to place an order from our holiday collection or get personalized product recommendations from one of our expert butchers, please contact us. We’d be glad to hear from you and look forward to being a part of your holiday celebrations.
How to brine poultry, pork and more
Brining takes a bit of time and effort, but it adds exceptional flavour and moisture to whatever you’re preparing. A traditional brine contains water, salt, sugar, and aromatics—this could include herbs, spices, citrus peels, or even juniper. The mixture is simmered and then cooled, then used to infuse your chosen ingredient with flavour and moisture before cooking. Here’s a quick and easy recipe:
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool and pour into a clean bucket, stock pot, or other vessel. Place your ingredient in the brine, ensuring it’s fully submerged, and chill in the fridge. For meat, brine for at least 8 hours and no more than 24 hours. For vegetables, a few hours is usually enough. Remove from the brine, pat dry, and prepare as you normally would.
- 1 gallon of water
- 2 cups of coarse salt
- 1½ cups of brown sugar
- 4 large bay leaves
- 4-5 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, and/or cloves)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns, one orange or lemon peel
If you have any questions, please contact us. A member of the Olliffe team would be glad to walk you through the process.
How to cook the perfect holiday turkey
Roasting a turkey takes time and effort, but it’s a fairly straightforward process. Here’s how to do it right.
- Start by covering your turkey in butter or olive oil, then salt generously and add your favourite herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc).
- Tightly cover your roasting pan with tinfoil. Place your covered turkey in an oven that’s been preheated to 375°F.
- When your turkey’s internal temperature is nearing 170°F, remove the tinfoil. Place your turkey back into the oven (uncovered).
- Once the skin has a beautiful colour and crispness, check your internal temperature again. Remove from the oven when you’ve hit 170°F.
- Cover your turkey with tinfoil and rest for a minimum of 20 minutes. 30-35 minutes is better!
- Carve, serve and enjoy.
Meal prep and hosting tips from Olliffe
Don’t stress—just plan ahead! We can help keep your kitchen calm and organized on the big day. Here are some guidelines.
- Ask guests to let you know about dietary restrictions ahead of time.
- Make a list of everything you’ll be serving and check it off as each item is prepped.
- Remember to chill your wine, sparkling water and other beverages ahead of time.
- Set the table before your guests arrive. Run and empty the dishwasher so it’s ready to load after your holiday meal.
- Wash and lay out your serveware and serving utensils before you start cooking.
- Chop and peel vegetables ahead of time—they can sit in cold water in the pot or pan they’ll be cooked in.
- Prepare salads, cranberry sauce and other cold dishes early in the day.
- Offer everyone a drink upon arrival (have non-alcoholic options as well as wine) and have a designated space for winter coats and boots.
- Make use of different appliances—if the oven’s full, warm side dishes in a toaster oven or roast vegetables in an air fryer.
- Offer light apps before dinner, but not too much!
- Warm your dinner rolls in the oven while carving your turkey. Set a timer so you don’t forget about them!
- Choose a dessert that can be prepared ahead of time and served with coffee or tea.
- Make sure everyone gets home safely.
Thanks for choosing to shop local this holiday season. If you’d like to place an order from our holiday collection, please do so online, in person or by calling Olliffe. We’d be pleased to assist you.