The holidays are creeping up on us fast and that means we’re all soon to be in the kitchen preparing meals. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could spend less time preparing for the holiday and more time hanging out with family and friends? Well, I’ve been thinking about this and decided to ask our readers for their favorite kitchen hacks for the holidays!
We posted this question on our weekly Penny For Your Thoughts post on our Facebook page. Here are a couple of the tips which were shared by our readers.
“Make mashed potatoes day before then put in crock pot next day to keep warm.” – Lashawn D.
“Make cornbread dressing up to a month ahead of time. Mix it up but do not cook it. Freeze it. Thaw in refrigerator a few days ahead of the holiday. The flavors marry well and it turns out moist and so good.” – Lurline N.
“I cook and as I take out my food I put hot dish soap and a fabric softener sheet in the pan .When its time to do the dishes they wipe it clean.” – Sandra H.
“I prep everything the weekend before and freeze it, except any meat dishes. I buy those prepared, like smoked turkey or ham. I don’t eat meat. I’ve given up cooking it. I take the frozen food and I toss it all into slow cookers the morning of. Simple. Everything is there ready when folks filter in. I don’t have a set dinner time because lives are just so busy.” – Celina B.
“Clean as I go along.” – Tara H.
“I make bread pudding / french toast breakfast casserole the night before and put in the fridge for morning. Very easy to pop in the oven during present opening.” – Colleen H.
“Share the work! In our family, the host ( which rotates sometimes) takes care of the turkey and mashed potatoes and everyone else brings assigned side dishes. Keeps the cost down for each person AND the work!” – Courtney B.
“Plan ahead, take advantage of sales and coupons. I also prep a few days before, so that the day of goes quicker (and with considerably less dishes–no extra cutting boards, knives, pans, utensils).” – Amber M.
“Have lots of snacks available and in the living room. It keeps people from wandering into the kitchen getting in the way.” – Lissa F.
There are still quite a few ideas that we did not list… You can always scroll back to see Monday’s questions and answers! I love these ideas and think they’re great ideas to help cut down on time in the kitchen on the day of the holiday!!
Make sure you watch Facebook each Monday for our newest question and share your ideas. You may find your name and tip featured each week on Penny Pinchin’ Mom!