The Gluten-Free Homemaker

We love Thanksgiving. We love food, fun, family, and friends. However, lots of people and lots of food make for lots of clean up. I suppose there are a few people in the world who enjoy doing dishes and cleaning up greasy, splattery messes, but most of us don't. I'm no expert, but here are a few ideas to consider that might help make clean up easier.

• Soak pots and dishes that have cooked on food, such as turkey, vegetables, and stuffing in hot soapy water. Start them soaking before you're ready to wash them. The longer they soak, the easier it will be.
• Soak pots and dishes that were used to cook starchy food, such as potatoes, in cold water. You can wash with hot water after you've gotten the food loose.
• Enlist the help of those who didn't cook. If you think they will be resistant, try asking them to clean up just a few things. Several people cleaning several things each can make a big dent in the job.
• As much as possible, clean as you go. Wash a mixing bowl and other things you used for preparation, while food is in the oven or on the stove.
• Play music while you clean. Something upbeat or fun will help the work go more quickly.
• Use your dishwasher. Run several loads if necessary. Have dishes soaking while others are washing.

I'm sure there are other great clean up tips out there. Please leave a comment if you have a tip to share.

For more kitchen tips visit Tammy's Recipes.

Labels: homemaking tips