It’s amazing how fast this year is going by! And if you thought that was fast, just watch how fast the holidays will land at your door! To help get ahead of the food prep curve, check out these time saving tips.
Check Your Pantry
For most of us, there are probably some items in the pantry that only get used during the holiday season. For example: pumpkin pie spice; French-fried onions; turkey gravy mix; molasses; cranberry sauce; cookie sprinkles; food coloring; chicken or vegetable bullion/broth; poultry seasoning; etc. Additionally, there are many pantry items that we use regularly: sugar; flour; baking soda; vanilla; baking powder; salt; pepper; cooking spray/oil; broths and soups; spices, seasonings, and dried herbs; mayonnaise; sauces; etc.
Do a pantry check to see what you’re missing or what you may be low on. Then, stock up on those items so that you’re not having to make last-minute trips to the store, or have to figure out substitutes. This time of year, these types of pantry items are usually on sale, and you can get great deals for stocking up.
Don’t forget to check your supply of Saran Wrap, aluminum foil, plastic storage bags, disposable containers, and the like.
Check Your Freezer/Fridge
The same principle applies – – what are the staples you know you are going to need more of? Milk, eggs, butter, veggies, fruit, cream cheese, sour cream, cheeses, deli meats, juices, sodas, and the like.
This is the time to stock up your freezer, also, to have extras on hand that are easily retrievable and can be defrosted or used immediately. Some ideas are: appetizers or baked goods that can easily go from the freezer to the oven/microwave/air fryer; juices; desserts; veggies (especially things like mire poix – a mix of carrots, celery, and onions – which is fabulous for broths, soups, stuffing, etc.); extra packages of chicken or turkey; broth; and anything else you can think of that can be frozen and save you time!
How Is Your Bar/Wine Supply?
This is the most opportune time to take a look at what you have and what you need to stock up on. Everything is on sale – – wine, beer, sparkling, cider, champagne, mixers, and liquor.
And While It’s Not Exactly Food Prep
Check your supply of wine glasses, serving dishes, paper plates, plastic cups, napkins, etc. Do any candle holders need to be checked, and do you have enough candles? Will you be using fresh foliage and flowers for centerpieces or will you be using silk arrangements? Do the tablecloths need to be laundered? Do the special glasses need to be cleaned? Do you need extra chairs and tables? Does any silver need to be polished? Do it now!
Don’t Forget the Kiddos and Teens
Be sure to stock up on or prepare some snacks and drinks for the kids and teens, as they won’t be able to wait until the main meal is served. This will also save you from having to stop and prepare separate or additional meals.
What Can You Actually Prepare Ahead of Time?
See the following for a timetable of foods that can be prepped ahead of time.
1-2 Weeks Ahead
Dough for any cookies you plan to bake. Form into logs and wrap with Saran Wrap. When you are ready to bake, just slice and pop in the oven.
Chill white wines, juices, champagne, sparkling cider, sodas, bottles of water, etc.
Prepare broth for use in gravy, basting the turkey, etc. Store in fridge.
Boil and peel eggs for devilled eggs; place in storage bags/containers in the fridge.
If using bacon for any of your dishes, it can be cooked and stored up to a week ahead of time.
Make and store extra ice in the freezer (or buy extra bags of ice).
3-4 Days Ahead
Make any dressings or dips for salad, veggies, etc., and store in the fridge.
Chop vegetables for veggie trays. Store in fridge until needed.
Boil potatoes for mashed potatoes and store in the fridge (microwave to reheat and then mix with your butter, milk, etc.)
Dry out and season any bread you plan to use for homemade stuffing. Cut and store in storage bags/containers on the counter or in the pantry.
Mix the stuffing and store in the fridge.
Bake sweet potatoes or yams and store in fridge.
Prepare cold cut/cheese trays that can be covered in Saran Wrap and easily pulled out and served.
Anything you can think of to save yourself time and reduce stress is worth doing! Happy holidays and happy eating, my friends!
Categorized in: General
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