The end of the year is quickly approaching and everyone will be gearing up for the holiday marathon that runs through the New Year. Don’t stress just yet, because we’ve got 10 handy tips & helps for getting your kitchen ready for the holiday rush so that you can spend your time where it counts the most…with the ones you love, even if that happens in the kitchen!
#1 - Purge the Fridge & Freezer
It’s time to clean out the fridge! Check best use by dates on all of those condiments and sauces that are cluttering up your fridge doors. Make a list of the items that are still good, and refer to it for menu planning later. Check items in freezer too and make a list of what’s on hand, especially for anything getting close to the best use by date to also try and utilize for menu planning through the next two months. Not sure what the recommended length of time for cold food storage? Check out this handy guide from Foodsafety.gov.
#2 - Organize the Staples
Take stock of what is in your pantry for additional help with meal planning. Make a list of what’s on hand and start a shopping list of any of the items you need to replenish.
#3 - Make a Plan
Make a menu for each week based on activities and people you have to feed each day. Refer back to your lists of pantry, fridge and freezer items you already have on hand and try to utilize as many of those items as possible. Add items you don’t have to your shopping list. Need help with recipe inspiration? Check out our extensive recipe catalog for great ideas on quick meals, meals for entertaining and great kitchen tips here: https://www.springermountainfarms.com/cookingtipsandrecipes
#4 - Stock Up
If you have the luxury of online shopping or delivery, those services can come in handy this time of year when you are juggling several balls in the air! Another great help is to use ready-to-eat foods like Springer Mountain Farms line of Fully Cooked Fresh & Frozen products. These will really come in handy when you need a meal quick.
#5 - Organize Cookware/Storage Containers
Organize the cupboards that house the cookware and storage containers to make it easier to get meals ready or store the leftovers. This will also help you determine if an important piece is needed for the holiday meals and entertaining coming up.
#6 - Check Oven Temperature
There’s nothing worse that over cooking a meal or not having it on the table when you plan. If your oven isn’t preheating properly it can really effect getting your chicken to the proper temperature at the planned meal time and can be a nightmare for some baked goods. Years of heating and cooling can cause a lot of stress to the oven's internal components and may wear out or lose accuracy over time. There are lots of handy tips online for determining if your oven is heating to the correct temperature. An easy back-up is to purchase an inexpensive oven thermometer to place in oven for testing.
#7 - Sharp Edges
Ask any chef or seasoned cook and they’ll tell you that a sharp knife is most likely their most important tool in the kitchen. If you aren’t a regular at this task, now would be a good time to pull out all the blades and hone those edges for quick, safe cuts while cooking. If sharpening knives isn’t your strong suit, look for someone in your area that offers this service.
#8 - Back-up the Essentials
Pantry staples are essential for a well stocked kitchen, but so are essential tools. Take this time to check your inventory on the following items: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, disposable storage bags, storage containers, batteries (AA, AAA, D & C), coffee supplies, corkscrew & bottle opener, dish soap, dishwashing detergent, garbage bags, kitchen string, cheese cloth, napkins, paper towels, parchment paper, and wax paper.
#9 - Recruit Help for Big Meals
Don’t try to do it all alone! Making the big meals can be very stressful and chances are you may have family members eager and willing to help. Offer to make the main course and let others bring the sides, dessert & drinks. You can also let someone else completely take over and order the full meal from a local grocery store, caterer or restaurant!
#10 - Make It a Family Affair
We are all about family and meal times together. Spend your time in the kitchen surrounded by family and showing those little hands how to help make a meal while celebrating family time and building valuable life skills!
Whether you use one tip or all of them, we hope you find the time to slow down and enjoy this special time of year!
