BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Spice up your holiday cooking with these eight helpful and stress-reducing tips and savor the true joy of the season: making merry memories with those you cherish most.
Smart store-bought swaps
Professionals and home cooks alike agree on a simple principle to making holiday meals easier: there’s no shame in using store-bought goods. As Emilie Berner, chef-instructor of online plant-based culinary arts and food operations at the Institute of Culinary Education, says: “Pick and choose your battles.” Instead of aiming for a completely homemade buffet, concentrate on the highlights.
Roya Shariat, a Brooklyn-based cook, stresses that guests savor the exciting parts of a meal, not necessarily the basics. Get the exciting parts down first, like a delicious pie filling, and then go to the store for the crust. Allowing for some store-bought components, such as boxed stuffing and pre-cut vegetables, can save time without sacrificing flavor.
Potluck mastery and delegation
Hosting? Don’t go it alone! When hosting a holiday dinner, know your limits. If you’re short on time, turn your party into a potluck. Create an organized plan to avoid an overabundance of mashed potatoes and to ensure a diverse spread. A group effort not only reduces workload but also turns dinner preparation into a fun community activity. Plus, it’ll give you more time to focus on other memorable details, like decorations or special cocktails.
Prep like a pro
Planning ahead of time is a game changer. Freeze vegetable scraps for broth, cut hardy veggies ahead of time, and create foods that will last in the fridge or freezer. However, while some recipes benefit from pre-preparation, remember that certain meals lose flavor if prepared too early.
Organized chaos in the kitchen
Make your kitchen more efficient by streamlining it. Clear the counters, clear the fridge, and organize any tools or equipment that are required. Maintaining cleanliness throughout the cooking process will allow you to focus on the joy of cooking rather than unneeded clutter.
Centralize your recipes
Place all recipes in one easily accessible spot. Having quick access to each recipe, whether online or printed, streamlines the cooking process and reduces chaos in a busy kitchen. No more frantic scrolling on your phone or disorganized tab hopping on your laptop—just simple culinary delight!
Strategic recipe review
Before you start cooking, go over the recipes thoroughly. Plan ahead of time for time-consuming processes and adjust your cooking plan accordingly. This foresight aids in work organization and prevents last-minute surprises.
Control your cooking space
Maintain an organized cooking area with specific spaces for dirty utensils and trash disposal. Use unorthodox areas for temporary storage, such as an idle oven, to keep your countertops clear for smooth cooking operations.
Revamped traditions
Consider unorthodox meal sets, such as snack-based affairs or large-format recipes like fondue or hot pot, to shake up the holiday norm. These alternatives provide a more relaxed meal experience, encouraging new traditions while reducing the normal holiday cooking requirements. Less cooking, more socializing—starting new traditions never tasted so good!
Anyone can boost their holiday culinary experience by embracing these stress-reduction tactics, concentrating on what matters: spending quality time with loved ones.
