Spend time to note the baking and food items that you intend
to make for your family's use and as gifts this year. Use a planning sheet with separate columns
for amount, food item, purpose, recipe reference, preparation time, and when
this will be given.
Note every food item and the amount you intend to make on
this planning sheet. Also list the purpose. Is it for your family's consumption
or to be given as gifts? Note where the recipe file is found or the specific
page number in a cookbook. These recipe references will really come in handy
later on when it's time bake and cook. Note down a time period for the
completion of every item. Some treats need to be served freshly cooked; others
can be made ahead of schedule and frozen until needed. Fruitcake, for instance,
needs to be baked about six to eight weeks ahead because the flavor gets better
as it ages. Include on this planning sheet the items for your Christmas dinner
or for any entertaining that can be cooked ahead. The "Time Period"
column in the planning sheet indicates the day or days at which you have
scheduled the item into your calendar. At this point you'll be able to see
whether this part of Christmas preparation is viable in relation to your available
time. You might need to remove some items if time gets too short.
Review your recipes and make a shopping list of ingredients
as you plan your Christmas baking and entertaining activities. Buy the
ingredients early while supplies are still ample or on sale, perhaps a few
items with each shopping trip to avoid too much strain on your December
finances. If possible, shop during the times when the stores are less crowded.
If only weekends are your available times, shop as soon as the stores open so
you have more fresh produce to choose from and you don't have to endure the
crowds that come out later in the day. Do an inventory of the contents of your
freezer, refrigerator, and pantry just to know what you have available and save
money by avoiding duplicate buys. You may want to have enough quick-meal food
stuff on hand for at least two meals. Unanticipated guests may come by or you
may even find your own family caught short one day when you are held up. Canned
ham, canned chicken, canned vegetables, biscuit mix, and a frozen dessert make
good emergency supplies.
It would be good, if possible, to set aside the month of
November as make-ahead month. As you cook your usual meals during November,
make double batches of main dishes and freeze a portion to be used in December
when the stress starts building up. Good make-ahead dishes include soups,
meatballs, casseroles, cakes, pies, etc. You could try making at least one
double batch of something weekly so that for every week in December you can
have one instant-preparation meal? Also take a few minutes to plan daily family
meals during the month of December. It will be worth your time and effort once
you experience the comfort of having something prepared ahead. Next year you
could use the same menu, making a few modifications if needed.
© Athena Goodlight
