Well, you know, holiday season come ’round, and everyone busy with cookin’ and bakin’. It’s nice to get things done ahead of time, so you ain’t rushin’ like a chicken with its head cut off when folks come over. I tell ya, makin’ meals ahead can save a whole heap of trouble.
Planning Ahead
First things first, ya gotta plan what you wanna make. Write it down, keep it simple, like a list of things you need. Some folks like to do a big ol’ feast, while others just want a few good dishes. Whatever it is, get it sorted out before the day hits.
Freezin’ is Your Friend
Now, let me tell ya, freezin’ food is a lifesaver. You can make a bunch of stuff ahead of time and stick it in the freezer. Stuffin’, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, and even them parboiled potatoes! Just get them all prepped and bagged up nice.
- Stuffing: Make it a few days before and freeze it. Just pop it in the oven on the day.
- Pigs in blankets: Wrap them up and freeze. Easy peasy!
- Cranberry sauce: This can sit in the fridge or freezer, it just gets better with time.
- Parboiled potatoes: Just boil ’em a bit, then freeze. Saves time when you’re cookin’ up a storm.
Prep the Veggies
Don’t forget your veggies! The night before, peel them potatoes and carrots, chop up them greens. Store ’em in water or a damp cloth so they don’t go all brown. Makes the cookin’ part quicker, I tell ya.
Baking Ahead
If you’re into bakin’, do it ahead too. Cookies, pies, you name it. You can bake ‘em, cool ‘em, and then freeze. When folks come, just pull ‘em out and let ‘em thaw. Everyone loves fresh-baked goodies, and you didn’t even break a sweat!
- Chocolate cookies: Make a batch and freeze. They’re a hit!
- Pumpkin pie: Bake it, freeze it.
