Festive ease
Five tips to help you keep your cool in the kitchen on Christmas Day.
1 PLAN AHEAD
Sit down in November and plan your Christmas Day, including the menu. Make a detailed list of what you need. Buy non-perishable items ahead of time to take the stress off the big shop. November is also a great time to ring your butcher and order your meat.
2 KEEP IT SIMPLE
Remember that Christmas doesn’t have to be a huge production! Keep it as simple as possible. If you can delegate cooking tasks to different members of the family, do so. If you plan a large Christmas dinner, keep breakfast light and easy.
3 PREPARE
Christmas pudding and cake keep for a long time so make these well ahead. Peel, cut and blanche veges the day before. Stuffing, gravy and other dressings can be made a few days prior. Cooking and freezing vegetables to be thawed on the day is also an option.
4 DON’T GO OVERBOARD
Christmas may be a day of indulgence but don’t overdo it! Focus on what you actually need. If there are 12 people attending you might want that ham and turkey, but for a small group, a roast chook and three vege will be just as delightful and easier to prepare.
5 HAVE FUN
Remember, Christmas is about being with your loved ones and having a nice time. Don’t let the pressure of having a perfect celebration ruin your day. A classic Kiwi barbecue may be all you need for a great Christmas.