Without a doubt, this weekend will surely see too many cooks in plenty of Jasper’s kitchens.
That is, of course, because it’s Thanksgiving and at Thanksgiving, the kitchen is where the action is.
The holiday’s not complete without a bird, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce—and if you grew up in my family, Brussels sprouts, which we affectionately called “green balls”—gracing a beautifully dressed dining room table.
Although it’s a joyous occasion full of turkey and elastic waistbands, it’s important to remember, all of your hard work could easily be ruined by a pesky kitchen fire.
So, it’s lucky for us that not only is it Thanksgiving, it’s also Fire Prevention Week, which means the community, and our newspaper, is flooded with tips on how to protect your home and dinner from a smoky demise.
(Convenient, isn’t it?)
As Fire Chief Greg Van Tighem writes in his message on page 14, most house fires start in the kitchen.
It could be a forgotten pot on the stove, a roast in the oven, or an experiment with the microwave—a tinfoil takeout package, per chance—or an element left roaring with heat. Whatever the case, it’s enough to ruin your holiday, your week, your month or even your year.
So rather than risk a fiery mistake, take a deep breath and slow down as you’re preparing your feast this weekend—double check the stove and oven are off and be sure to keep your sleeves and oven mitts off the stovetop.
And most importantly, while you’re grilling, boiling, roasting, simmering or baking, stay in the house and preferably in the kitchen, as most mishaps happen—and are made substantially worse—when the chef is absent.
If nothing else, set a timer and check back often.
That way, not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of watching your turkey browning in the oven, you’ll also ensure that Jasper’s firefighters can stay home and enjoy their own Thanksgiving feasts.
Goodness knows our volunteers don’t need the town alarm busting up their thanks-filled weekend.
So make smart decisions in the kitchen this weekend and remember, turkey dinner isn’t complete without green balls on your plate.
Happy Thanksgiving!
