21 Days to a Simple Christmas, Days 12 and 13
This weekend’s challenge was to read chapter 8 of Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas and to make a plan of 2-4 recipes to make this upcoming week. Then take Sunday to spend some time with your family.
Today my daughter and myself combined a couple of those items. We spent some time together making a couple batches of candy, while the guys (my husband, son and our neighbor) worked in the garage on Mr. Buick. (our classic car) It was a great time for all of us.
Chapter 8 of Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas was all about baking and freezer cooking dinner items ahead. To make meal preparation the day of Christmas less of a chore. I love this message. We usually have a main item of turkey or ham for dinner on Christmas. If I make a turkey I roast it the day before, slice it and place it in a casserole dish. Then when I’m ready to heat it, I just add some broth and heat through.
Our side dishes also consist of twice baked potatoes which I make the week before and tuck away into the freezer. So the night before I just thaw them and heat them the next day. I will also make stuffing the day before too.
My baking is always done ahead too. I like to bake the rolls a week in advance and tuck them into the freezer. They hold up really well and everyone loves the sweet dinner rolls. Here’s the recipe I modify to make dairy free.
I also keep our regular meals really simple this time of year. With all the extra baking, I don’t have as much time to devote to our regular meals. So, by keeping them simple, my dinner prep time is cut down. Which helps us not to eat out as much.
This week will be a busy week for baking and candy making at our house. I’m hoping to get about 18 recipes made this week so I can deliver our candy and cookie plates to the neighbors. I will be sharing which recipes we will be making soon.
What something you like to make ahead to save time in the kitchen on the holidays?
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Other Posts in this Series
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 1
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 2
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 3
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 4
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 5
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Days 6 & 7
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 8
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 9
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 10
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Day 11
21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge, Days 12 & 13