It's the most wonderful time of the year, and often the busiest time, too, as family get-togethers and holiday celebrations quickly fill the winter months. This holiday season, you can save time and avoid chaos in the kitchen by taking a few simple shortcuts.
Whether you're the go-to host for the holiday festivities year after year, or it's your very first time to serve up the annual feast, take comfort knowing you have these six time-saving tricks up your sleeve.
Spice up store-bought: Adding an unexpected, tasteful touch to store-bought foods and beverages is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to wow your friends and family. For example, just a dash of cinnamon or mulling spice mixed with your favourite apple cider can turn an ordinary drink into a heart-warming holiday experience.
Seize the day (before): Many hors d'oeuvres can be prepared in advance and simply heated - or reheated - in the oven or microwave on the day of your holiday party. Try combining precooked crab meat, cream cheese and a packet of cheese dip mix the day before your party, and all you'll have to do on the big day is bake it for 5-7 minutes until it's golden, bubbly, and so good your guests will never guess your secret.
Give chopping the axe: This year, there's no need to wipe away tears as you chop and mince onions and garlic for recipe after recipe. Instead, take help from dehydrated seasoning blends, which can be substituted for fresh ingredients in your favourite recipes or mixed with sour cream for a delicious dip in seconds.
Make your ingredients multitask: When you're stocking the pantry prior to your holiday party, choose a line-up of flavourful products that offer more versatility than other one-note wonders.
For instance, a jar of cranberry-pomegranate preserves can easily do double-duty. First, use it as a tasty glaze for beef or pork, and then serve up the remaining spread with toasted English muffins on Christmas morning.
Add life to leftovers: Rather than reheating the entire holiday spread for an encore presentation, try using up leftovers in creative yet quick recipes. For example, beef roast can be shredded and added to your favourite just-add-water soup mix, while mashed potatoes are perfect in warm, cheesy casseroles.