How to: survive your kitchen this Christmas

Be ready before the Christmas rush this year with these simple, plan-ahead tips from Sarah Flower

For me, feeding family and friends at Christmas is all about preparation and the ability to cheat where necessary.  Here are my 10 tips on how to go about just that...

 

 

1) Plan Ahead

Start thinking about Christmas in advance - don't leave it until a few days before Christmas and then panic.  Book your supermarket delivery slots at least 2-3 weeks before Christmas to ensure that when your neighbours are sweating in the supermarkets, you are sitting at home with your feet up.  Speak to your butcher and book all your meat in advance - they will thank you for it and you will avoid the usual panic and stampede at the last minute.

 

2) Fill it up!

Fill your freezer with quick and easy snacks.  I use puff and filo pastry to create mince pies and savoury snacks such as sausage rolls or spinach and ricotta parcels. One afternoon preparation and you will sail through the rest of Christmas. Filo pastry is so easy.  Cut into squares and brush each layer with melted butter.  Place your chosen filling in the middle and bring all the edges up to meet, forming a sack. Secure and freeze until needed. I prepare mince pies and place them in the baking tray but instead of putting them in the oven, I pop them in the freezer.  One hour later and your mince pies will have frozen into perfect mince pie shapes ready for you to pop in a freezer bag.  When unexpected guests turn up, you can delight them by serving home-made snacks without breaking a sweat.  Simply place back in your baking tray and bake as required.  Simple!

 

3) Be realistic

Many people go mad filling their trolleys with food as if they will never shop again. It is totally unnecessary. Our busy world now dictates that supermarkets and shops are open on Boxing Day, meaning you really are only without for Christmas Day - do you really need to shop for a fortnight? 

 

4 )Make a list and check it twice

Make a list and stick to it.  Try to avoid buying items through sentimentality. I remember every Christmas as a child we would have picked onions, dates, figs and a wide selection of strange cheeses we never normally purchased.  Year after year, these would end up being thrown away when we took down the Christmas decorations. Just because it is traditional to have dates and figs on your sideboard does not mean you have to buy them - particularly if everyone in your family hates them! 

 

5) Buy wisely

Do you have family coming? If so, how many are you catering for and do they have any special requirements?  If it is just your immediate family, why spend more than you have to? Think about your requirements and try to plan around this. If you are entertaining friends for impromptu drink parties, then rely on your trusted freezer bursting with goodies. Most people prefer quick and easy snacks when entertaining so make life easy on yourself!

 

6) Downshifting

You can save up to a third off your shopping bill by downshifting to supermarket own brands. In most cases you will not lose quality. For example, Sainsbury's has tried and tested all of their own-label Christmas products to match or even exceed leading brands taste and quality. Once out of the own-branded/value packaging, no one would ever know!

 

7) Draw up a meal plan. 

If you plan your meals you will save money and have plenty of time to enjoy your Christmas without being tied to the kitchen. Draw up a plan a few weeks in advance. This will give you time to bake one, freeze one in preparation for an easy Christmas (remember to date and label before placing in the freezer!). You will also have a concise shopping list which will avoid any overspending. 

 

8) Waste not, want not

We throw away a third of our groceries every week. Avoid this waste by planning meals around perishable foods and potential left-overs. If you have over-ordered on the turkey, think of ways of using it up. Cold meat, mash and bubble and squeak are all traditional favourites to use up roast left-overs.  Why not opt for a curry, a pie or sandwiches?  Alternatively, if you don't like turkey, why not rethink your Christmas lunch and opt for something you all prefer? 

 

9) Favourite Tipple

If you are having friends or family over and want to stock up the drinks cabinet, don't be afraid to ask them what their favourite tipple is. This will avoid you buying alcohol that simply isn't wanted. And if you are struggling financially, don't be embarrassed to ask friends to bring a bottle - most people hate coming to parties empty-handed.

 

10) All about you

Finally, find some 'you' time this Christmas.  It may seem like a drag to plan and prepare in advance, but once Christmas comes you will reap the rewards.  Don't get too stressed and don't strive for perfection - instead aim for enjoyment for all the family.  Merry Christmas!

 

Feature by Sarah Flower, whose book ‘Live More, Spend Less' is published by Spring Hill, an imprint of How To Books.

 

 

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