Time-Saving Holiday Meal Tip
I don’t know how holiday meals work at your house, but around here we do NOT mess with tradition!
It actually makes things easier because I know exactly what we’ll be eating – no new recipes to learn, no new ingredients to buy – so I computerize my shopping list for each holiday meal.
These are simple Word documents, nothing fancy. I keep notes about what size turkey, ham or tenderloin I need depending on the number of guests, and what time to put the pies in the oven.
My Thanksgiving list, in part, looks like this:
Stuffing:
- ___ 1 bag seasoned croutons
- ___ 1 carton chicken stock
- ___ Celery
- ___ Onion
- ___ Butter
- ___ Salt
- ___ Pepper
- ___ Sage
Squash:
- ___ 2 medium-sized butternut squash
- ___ Butter
- ___ Brown sugar
- ___ Nutmeg, cinnamon
Whipped Cream:
- ___ 2 cups heaving whipping cream
- ___ Sugar
- ___ Vanilla
You get the picture, right? Before shopping, I check the pantry and refrigerator, putting an X next to items I have. Then I mark things off as I shop, since I usually buy things in a few different trips.
It might seem silly, but it saves me time AND money. How?
- I don’t forget anything, so there are no frantic, last minute trips to the store.
- I don’t buy items I already have. Spices are expensive, and who needs multiple containers of sage?
Speaking of spices, here’s a helpful chart regarding their shelf life.
I’m in favor of anything that makes life easier as we head into the busy holiday season, how about you, any time-saving tips you’d like to share?
