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?

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