The holiday season brings anticipation of a certain kind to everyone. For some it’s being able to see family that live far away; others become excited to make that special holiday meal that only gets made once a year. No matter what you’re anticipating this holiday season there’s bound to be some kind of cooking going on.

As you may already know, apartment kitchens are on the smaller side. It can get tight when there’s more than one person moving around and prepping food. It’s important to make sure that everyone who helps you out is being safe with all the moving pieces and parts.

Whether that is yelling “Corner!” when you’re coming around a corner with your hands full of hot food or making sure that everyone who is helping knows the rules of the kitchen and how to dress. We want to make sure that your holiday meals not only turn out wonderful, but that no one has to be called because something went terribly wrong. 

Here is an article with eleven important tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while in the kitchen this holiday season.

Smart Cooking Tips for Christmas

By: Jim Bauer

It’s fun to spend the holidays with family and friends, cooking and eating and enjoying one another’s company, but it can also be very stressful. Anyone who has hosted a holiday gathering knows the pressures of cleaning, cooking, and entertaining. And when people are stressed, accidents and kitchen fires are more likely to happen. If you’re hosting Christmas this year, here are some important holiday cooking safety tips to help you enjoy the day with no unexpected emergencies.

Check your Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense. Sometimes people disconnect them because they’re easily set off by cooking; other times the batteries just get low. Make sure your smoke detectors are working and ready before you start cooking!

Prepare your Cooking Space

Get rid of clutter. Accidents are more likely if you are working in a cluttered space, and clutter impedes your ability to quickly get to an emergency, such as a stovetop fire.

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If you’re planning on hosting guests at your Chico apartment this Christmas or New Year’s, keep these cooking tips in mind for everyone’s health and happiness. 

Holiday Cooking Ideas

While some people eat the same food every year, others like to make a new dish. For those of you making a new dish, here are a few ideas that are sure to wow your guests!

• Switching up the main dish this year? Here are amazing alternatives to the Christmas Ham!
• Have a vegetarian in the family who will likely avoid your meaty main dish? Cook a few delicious vegetarian side dishes that not only go well with the main dish but are yummy and filling all on there own!
• Perfect ideas for some Christmas Eve snacks while sitting around with friends or watching a classic Christmas movie like It's a Wonderful Life or Elf. 

No matter what you cook or bring to your Christmas party, remember to be safe and to have fun! Christmas is a time to remember that friends and family are the most important part, eating yummy food is just an added bonus!