- Luxury sausage rolls
Now is the time to prepare some food items for Christmas to help take the stress out of next week. Just think, if you have ticked a few nibbles, stuffing, gravy and treats off your list by next week; you can spend time wrapping and writing those last minute cards in a more relaxed fashion. Below are just a few suggestions….
Foods to prepare in advance:
Stuffing’s : These can be made now and frozen. If you are using sausage meat, ensure it has not been previously frozen.
Gravy: If this causes you stress on the day, make now and freeze (remember to defrost!)
Sausage rolls: Make these and freeze them cooked or uncooked. Make sure the sausage meat has not been previously frozen if freezing uncooked. Although one should not refreeze frozen puff pastry if using, I do.
Roast nuts: Great for nibbling on whilst cooking dinner, when friends pop round, when listening to a ‘talker’ on the phone!
Soups: Make a couple of different soups which can be whipped out of the freezer for a quick meal, great if you run out of time one day or you have unexpected visitors.
Ice cake: If you are going to ice a cake do it now and enjoy the task. If left to the last minute it just becomes a chore. If you have just decided you or your kids would like to ice a cake and are cakeless, buy a good fruit cake and marzipan it this week. Leave it in a cool place covered with muslin or a clean tea towel – it will be perfect for icing next week.
Meringues: Easy to make if you have a good recipe, keep in a tin for ages. They make a quick impromptu pudding (serve with stewed fruit, cream, ice-cream etc etc..)
Mince pies: Do not forget mince pies. A must for an afternoon treat to get you in the festive mood, visitors love them. Make them with shortcrust, puff or filo pastry. They keep well in a tin, but also freeze well.