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Tips From The Pros: Quick Fixes For Thanksgiving Day Kitchen Disasters

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Even the best of chefs admits that kitchen disasters can happen. But it doesn't have to ruin the meal, as long as you know how to fix the mistake.

On Tuesday, CBS2's Emily Smith went to the Institute of Culinary Education to get some tips as people prepare for Thanksgiving.

The pressure is on, and everyone wants the turkey to be cooked just right. If the bird happens to be a little dry, some gravy can help.

"Gravy of course is your friend. Slice it, and put gravy on. You could also brush it with butter," Sabrina Sexton explained.

Sexton said if you don't have a thermometer to let you know when it is fully cooked at 165 degrees stick a knife in the leg.

"The juices should look clear, not pink and bloody. If you don't see juice it is definitely done, and dry, and time to order pizza...no," she said.

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Another fear among Thanksgiving cooks is making a gravy that isn't too thin, too thick or even worse, lumpy.

"You could either throw it in the blender or just strain it. I have a nice strainer here," Sexton said, "and of course if it gets a little thick add extra chicken or turkey stock and it will be great."

If it's too salty add a splash of cream, unsalted butter will also do the trick.

You can also even out mashed potatoes.

"I would add more milk and let them heat up a little longer and let them cook in the milk and in a few minutes, they should be soft," Sexton said.

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If the potatoes are a little starchy or gluey there are a couple of options.

"An egg or two mixed with cheese or sour cream, spread them out in a baking disk, bake in oven, and you have potato casserole," Sexton explained.

Finally, dessert pies can be a delicious end to the meal, but burning them or perhaps worse jostling them can be gut-wrenching.

"So you are driving to your relatives, this slides around, you say 'no, no, this is part of a plan' you can make parfait," Sexton said.

You scoop out the parts that are still edible avoiding any burnt spots, put it into a glass alternating with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Or, make homemade whipped cream. It's one ingredient; heavy cream. The whisking process takes about 10 minutes.

"You'd never know this wasn't your plan all the time. It's ice cream, sugar, pie, butter, fruit," Sexton said.

Most importantly, enjoy the time with friends or family, and have a happy Thanksgiving.

 

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