1. When recipes call for fresh squeezed citrus juice, don't toss out the fruit after squeezing it. Instead, freeze the peels for later when you need a bit of grated zest.

2. If timing of a home-cooked meal is an issue, here's a great tip: Roast vegetables up to a day ahead; refridgerate. Reheat on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, and serve with the rest of the meal.

3. Preparing and Storing Fresh Cranberries: Before using them, rinse in a bowl of cold water; discard any unripe ones that float to the top. Cranberries can be stored in their original packaging. They'll keep for up to a year in the freezer. Frozen cranberries can then be cooked without defrosting; pat them dry before using.

4. Easy Holiday Appetizer:
12 Dates, pitted
12 blanched Almonds
4 slices of Bacon, cut into thirds
Press almond into the center cavity of each date. Wrap with bacon, and secure with toothpick. Broil 3-5 minutes, until desired doneness of bacon---enjoy!