Tips on How to Save on Your Holiday Cooking and Baking
THIS is how I am coming into this Holiday season, organized and prepared. I recently appeared on Inside Edition to show viewers it is NOT too early to take inventory. Every year I am guilty of over purchasing ingredients and it is an expensive mistake. Cleaning out my pantry helps me organize my mind, my list, and my finances. Helping me feel less overwhelmed, which is worth everything during this time. Doing this inventory will even help you cut down on time running back and forth to the store.
Organize Your List and Pantry:
Make your list and check it twice, just like Santa! That way you can assess your ingredients. Are there some spices used frequently across your recipes? Maybe buying cinnamon in bulk is better than two little shakers. Maybe you buy a large box of kosher salt being you brine.
Check your spices and baking supplies are they expired? Do you already have two vanilla extracts ready to go? You can avoid over buying those products with longer shelf life.
Also, if you make your list early you can watch for sales. Look at store circulars, check out online retailers, even see if your local farmers market or farms have items at a better price. Or maybe you have time to make a batch of homemade vanilla extract?
Even better idea- does your family bake together? Maybe one family is charge of buying the sugar and flour, the other the eggs and butter. Split the bill!
Look at your baking list and be honest, do you need to make 10 cookies? Or can you go with 3 fan favorites this year? Maybe make the others in the boredom of January!
Cost Effective Entertaining Ideas:
1. Stock your freezer with ready to go appetizers that can be popped into the oven and ready in minutes for last minute guests. Everyone loves a pig in a blanket!
2. Stock up on 2-3 cheese selections that can be stored for a longer period in the fridge. Having options such as Parmesan, Asiago, or cheddar cheese are great selections.
3. Having ready-made dough or pie crust in the fridge or freezer can be a great time saver. Make a stuffed bread or Stromboli, a rustic galette, or a quick quiche for overnight guests.
4. Having some interesting jams, jellies, and spreads on hand can be helpful. Adding a fig jam, or a hot honey to a charcuterie board can instantly elevate it.
5. Have a stash of unscented pillar candles and tea lights. They create ambiance and a festive look at a moment’s notice.
6. Stockpile festive plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery. Makes clean up a little easier, with less dishes to do. Plus, it adds to your tablescape/décor without too much fuss!
7. Do a pantry inventory prior to the holiday season. Make sure your heaviest used spices are filled, and not expired. Maybe buy a little
8. Make simple syrup for cocktails or a fun extra for coffee at brunch. Simple boil equal parts sugar and water. Add a cinnamon stick while simmering for an extra festive twist.
9. Have some seasonal treats on hand. It doesn’t hurt to have stash of candy canes or some egg nog in the fridge. Candy canes double as décor for a dessert or hot chocolate display. Also, great to crush up and top a cheesecake or other simple dessert.
10. It’s always good to have a plain bag of popcorn on hand. It can be made more interesting by adding some truffle oil or everything bagel seasoning! It is an instant hit at a cocktail party or a Christmas movie binge night.
11. A bottle of prosecco typically is inexpensive, and a little bubbly instantly makes things feel festive.
12. Have a holiday playlist saved and ready to go! That way you aren’t searching for music or an appropriate Pandora station minutes before people arrive.
13. There is nothing worse than an overflowing garbage can. Except for having flimsy garbage bags that break under the pressure of a holiday party. If you know you are having a large gathering have industrial garbage bags on hand will save you a lot of messy headache.
14. Don’t count out your kid’s snacks! Arrange their crackers on the cheese board, take their fruit snacks out of the bag and place them in tiny bowls within a dessert board. Use their clementine’s as a centerpiece! No one will know the difference; it is all in how you arrange them!
15. Ditch expensive centerpieces and turn seasonal fruits into festive centerpieces. Add greenery from the floral section of the grocery store and your favorite platter for some beautiful DIY decor
Most of all remember the main goal of the holiday season is to spend time together. It in is not all about what is on the table, but who is around it. That is where the warm feeling comes from, the connection made through the time spent with those you love. Your children and family members will carry that in their hearts, not the expensive gift which will one day be cast aside.