We all love having family and friends home for the holidays, but most of us wish we could spend more time chatting than being on kitchen detail. The following time-saving tips and holiday hacks will give you more time outside the kitchen, and less stress while you’re in it!
1. Prep ahead
1. Prep aheadBusy restaurants have a secret: they prepare almost all ingredients before they cook. Once you decide your menu, figure out the ingredients you can chop a day or two ahead of time. Store them in labeled containers and then toss them in as needed.
2. Spare your stovetop
Slow cookers can do more than make chili. You can slow cook mashed potatoes, “baked” potatoes, root vegetables, and even apple crisp.
3. Peel out
Peel a ton of potatoes in seconds. Boil the potatoes as usual. Immediately after boiling, place them in ice water for five to 10 seconds. When removed from the ice, the potato skins will slide right off.
4. Avoid appetizer overkill
There’s a lot of food at holiday gatherings, so those fancy appetizers may simply be too much. Simplify snacking with a tray of crackers, cured meats, a few cheeses, olives and mustards. (Prepped in advance, of course!)
5. Rethink table time
Holiday tables get crowded, and passing food can create traffic jams and clutter. Try buffet-style service, placing all the prepared dishes on a separate table or in a separate room. People can eat at different times or all together. Getting seconds just got a lot easier, too!
Try these tips to take some stress out of holiday hosting and enjoy your time with family and friends!
Sources: Better Homes and Gardens, Diply, Chowhound