by Top 10 Tips www.my-prep.co.uk for Preparing Holiday Meals
Avoid another holiday food prep panic. Experts suggest that it is worth planning ahead so you don’t have to waste time or aggravation on the day. Here are 10 tips to make holiday meal preparations Zen-like.
1. Get as much information as you can.
It’s exactly like packing for vacation. Packing a few days ahead will help you remember the last minute details before they are too late.
2. Plan 2 Trips to The Grocery Store.
Make a masterlist with everything you’ll need and split it into two lists. You can either buy the items in advance or buy the last-minute items. There won’t be more than 10 items on the second list. This means that the store can be packed before the holiday so you can go straight to the express line. This is a time saver and a big time saver.
3. Look at Prepared Foods.
Professional chefs will tell their clients that just cause something comes in cans doesn’t automatically mean it is less good than fresh. When there isn’t much difference in quality, choose the prepared one.
4. Consider slow cooking.
If you have 8 guests or less who don’t love dark meat, a slow-cooker turkey breast is an excellent option. The meat is great when seasoned in dry soup mix. Slow cookers are great for making pork loin (seasoned using cranberry syrup) or pot roast. If you aren’t convinced, test it on your loved ones a few weeks before.
5. Thermometers are your best friends
Food thermometers make it easy to have the right equipment in your kitchen. A variety of thermometers are available for various purposes.
6. A Dual Timer is also your friend.
A dual timer is another option that’s very inexpensive. It can be used to track multiple items (and even your nap) while you prepare holiday meals.
7. Clean up Your Frig, and your Counters.
Do it now, before your big holiday meal. For a turkey you will need plenty space. Get rid of anything that you don’t need on the kitchen counters before the big night.
8. Get your serving pieces ready in time
Once your guests arrive and their food is prepared, you don’t want to have to search for plates, serving bowls, and other serving utensils at the last moment. Instead, take a small piece of paper and write down the name of each dish. Next, put the paper in the bowl with the serving spoons.
9. Last-Minute Assistance: Ask your guests
OK, everything is planned and perfected. However, you forgot the ice. Here’s where cell phones really shine. If you are unsure if your guest will be driving past a grocery shopping center, don’t hesitate calling them.
10. Schedule in Nap/Relaxation.
If you did everything the night before, it’s possible to get the tables set up and then relax for an extra hour until the guests arrive. By doing this, you will have enough time to complete the last details and still feel fresh.