Cooking tips to take the stress out of the holiday season

Christmas is right around the corner and people are likely still coming down from the intensity of Thanksgiving. This year has been different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Is a family gathering for Christmas a good idea or is it too risky? Ultimately, this is a question with different answers for different people. Whether celebrating alone or with family, everyone should enjoy a decent meal. And why not? A celebration is in order at the end of a challenging year.

It’s important to remember to take it easy and avoid being overwhelmed by the chaos of the busy holidays. Here are some cooking tips to make things easier.

Plan ahead

First and foremost, it’s necessary to plan ahead; things will get overwhelming if left to the last minute. Scrambling to throw things together at with seconds to spare is incredibly stressful, so it’s good to be ready for the holiday holidays. The menu needs to be decided on and purchased ahead of time.

Nobody wants a rush to the store on Christmas Eve! Some advance preparation will allow time to sit around, relax and play Sweet Bonanza Xmas.

Start with salads

It’ll probably be necessary to accommodate various preferences and dietary requirements, which can make things more difficult, so it’s good to simplify. The best way to do that is by preparing the easy meals first: the salads. Most of the people attending a Christmas party will eat a salad. There will need to be enough to satisfy everyone, and the options should include healthier and heartier greens. Salads are one of the easiest things to make, and they can be out of the way early to make room for the main course.

Safety first

Safety and health are paramount during the holidays with loved ones. With the ongoing pandemic, this year this is more important than ever, and extra steps are important to keep everyone looked after. One option is to purchase use a food thermometer. To avoid issues, foods should be cooked at the right temperature and checked with a thermometer to avoid under-cooking. Cooking at the right temperature will help kill bacteria and prevent anyone from getting ill.

In addition to this, it’s essential that hands are washed regularly. Those preparing the food should wash their hands repeatedly as they go – before, during and after. And, of course, the produce also needs rinsing carefully. If there are going to be guests, everyone should wear a face mask.

Get help

Ultimately, cooking for a large group can be difficult. The task can be simplified with some assistance – friends and family members can help, and there’s a good chance some of them would love to volunteer. Cooking together can be fun and exciting, as well as making things easier. More importantly, it’s a bonding experience and opportunity to strengthen relationships while the stew’s in the making. After all, the holidays are about family.

Don’t overthink it

Finally, for best results it’s a good idea not to overthink it. Being anxious will take away from the fun of the experience –  and what difference is it going to make if the meal isn’t perfect? The holidays are about being with loved ones. A spoiled dish won’t ruin anything! As long as there’s time to spend with important people, it’ll be a good time.

The editorial unit