Holiday Cooking Tips

Christmas Cooking

Holiday Cooking Tips

The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to start cooking. My family usually eats the same thing- caviar (domestic of course!), shrimp, French bread, and other snacks… there’s also always plenty of good chocolate and chilled champagne to go around.

It’s a busy time of year. In addition to cooking, there are presents to wrap, relatives to accommodate, and other work to be done.

These simple tips can reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen, and increase time spent with guests and family.

Prepare

Make lists. Try to anticipate what you will need, and when. During the holidays I always have plenty of butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, brown sugar, sugar, chocolate and eggs on hand. I also like to have a few pints of heavy cream in the fridge for fresh whipped cream. Most dairy products can last sat least a few weeks in the fridge- stock up so you won’t have to run to the store at the last minute.

Delegate

Are you a control freak? I am. Over the years I’ve learned to ask for help from people and believe me, it wasn’t easy. Family members and friends are usually willing to help; all you have to do is ask!

Schedule

Make a schedule. There are certain things you can purchase in advance like frozen shrimp, jarred sauces, crackers, nuts and cheese. Look at your calendar and plot your food course- remember to buy perishable items like fresh beef, chicken, and fish a few days before your holiday feast so that it will be fresh.

Sketch

If you are a true foodie, you’re going to want your food to look beautiful. Small sketches of will help bring your culinary creations to life. Get your family and friends involved!

Platters

Make sure you have enough platters and dishes to serve your food. There’s nothing worse than not have the right service-ware to display the food you have worked so hard on. It’s not necessary to shop at high-end stores for holiday-themed plates, try places like Target and Kmart.

Shop Off-Hours

Avoid peak-shopping hours. Avoid stores after work hours. Try instead shopping in the early afternoon during the week if you can get the time off.

And…

Take some time for yourself to enjoy your guests and food!

Happy Holidays!

Chef Chuck Kerber

Cooksandeats.com

chuck@cooksandeats.com