Preparing for your Christmas feast may sometimes cause stress to most of us. Keeping a cool head during the holiday season can lead to warm hearts and tummies come Christmas day. Whether you’re a first timer or a holiday expert, these simple steps can help you achieve a hassle-free feast that you and your loved ones can enjoy.
- Plan early
You should by now have an idea about the sumptuous feast that you want to prepare come Christmas day. Plan your menu early by identifying who your guests are and working around their likes and dislikes. Ask your guests about any food allergies and preferences so that you can prepare a meal that suits their needs.
Your Christmas feast doesn’t have to be too grand; in fact, sometimes it is better to stick with holiday favorites and basics so that you can focus on the flavor and not on the grandeur.
Planning your menu well in advance can also help you determine the amount of ingredients you’ll need for your feast.
- Shop early
Shop early for ingredients that you can store in your fridge or in the pantry. Visiting the grocery as early as possible allows you to avoid the large number of people that will hit the markets as December 25 draws nearer. Avoid the long lines and shop as early as possible.
Having a detailed grocery list can also help you avoid overbuying. Make sure that you only get the ingredients that you’ll need and always double check if you have everything. You wouldn’t want to plow through the snow just because you forget the stuffing that you need.
- Stick to your plan
People would often go through a different route from what they had planned. Sticking to your plan can help you reduce the stress that comes with the holiday season. Now that you have your ingredients and a proper menu for your Christmas feast, make sure that you follow your initial plan. Having a plan allows you to work in an organized kitchen where everything is at your fingertips.
- Cook ahead of time
Try to keep a Christmas menu that you can prepare ahead of time. You wouldn’t want to miss all the fun and excitement around the Christmas tree just because you’re too busy in the kitchen, would you?
A day before the feast, prepare all the ingredients that you’ll need in your recipes and portion them properly. You can also prepare desserts the day before your feast so that your sweets can be chilled and allowed to set.
- Get help!
Christmas is a time for sharing and what better way to spend it than sharing time in the kitchen. Instead of doing all the cooking by yourself, why not ask others for help? You can always get the entire family involved by setting them up with simple tasks like chopping ingredients and setting the table. While it may be true that too many cooks can spoil the broth, always remember that two hands are better than one!
With these simple steps, you can have a stress-free Christmas that will allow you to have more time spending with your loved ones than just slaving in the kitchen. Check out Kraft’s Christmas recipes to get inspired for your upcoming holiday feast.
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