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Your Guide To a Safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for many but also a time together with family and friends. Our job at AFN is to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we’ve compiled some great tips to help you this year, including recommendations on how to celebrate during a pandemic.
- Clear out the Fridge- before you begin filling your Fridge up with all the necessary items, make as much room as you can in your Fridge. If you don’t want to throw things out, fill up a cooler with ice and place those items in there.
- Keep Your Mashed Potatoes Warm- The only thing worse than lumpy mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving is cold, gluey ones. To keep your spuds warm when every burner of your stovetop is in use, butter your slow-cooker insert, add a little heavy cream and spoon in the potatoes. Set the temp to low and stir every hour or so to keep your potatoes smooth and silky.
- Chicken Broth To Save The Meal - Overcooked the bird? Before you spirit that platter of dried-out breast meat to the table, drizzle it with a little warm chicken broth. It'll help moisten the meat and add flavor. This is also a good trick for perking up slices that have gone from room temp to cold.
- Dietary Restrictions- This way, you can adjust or add to the menu as needed, so everyone feels comfortable. And don’t forget about any kids attending: some may have more selective palates, so ask parents what their little ones love to eat and drink.
- Safety Check- Make sure to clean out your oven well before the holiday, check your smoke alarms, and if you’re frying a turkey never do it near the house and or deck.
COVID-19 Tips
- Gathering Size- Family and friends should consider the number of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the city where they plan to celebrate when deciding whether to host or attend a gathering.
- Travel- Airports, bus stations, train stations, public transport, gas stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. So remember to stay six feet apart, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask.
- Stay Outside- If the weather is permitting, try having your Thanksgiving celebration outside, places with poor ventilation can pose a higher risk.
- Virtual Celebration- If you choose to stay home, host a virtual celebration with friends and family.
From all of us at AFN, we wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
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How to Celebrate Halloween during COVID-19
Nov 19, 2020
Like many things this year, Halloween will be much different because of COVI-19. The CDC has called trick-or-treating a high-risk activity. So what are some alternatives? What are ways to safely enjoy Halloween this year? Well the good news is that you still safely decorate your home for all the festivities. In fact make it a fun family activity to do all together. If you need some inspiration just head to our Pinterest page for spooky ideas click here. Some other ideas on celebrating Halloween include Having a virtual costume contest Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance. Create a Halloween candy hunt. Similar to an Easter egg hunt but you get to dress up. A classic Halloween movie night. Parades are all the rage in 2020 so feel free to have a Halloween parade for everyone to enjoy. If you are able to practice social distancing then head to a pumpkin patch (just bring hand sanitizer). This year stores like CVS and Target are preparing things called “Boo Bags” which are a great way to leave out candy for friends and neighbors. If you do participate in those activities make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, maintain social distancing with members who are not from your household, and keep your mask on. For more information on how you can stay safe and celebrate just click on the link below. CDC Recommendations.