Planning Your Christmas Early

Christmas is coming and we are getting into the Christmas spirit here, buying the presents and preparing our waist lines for a holiday of stuffing our faces with scrumptious food. With all the food that needs preparing and so little time to make it all, here at My Appliances we are discussing what can be prepared in advance and frozen to give you more time to spend with family and friends on the day.

Christmas Cake

Christmas cake does not need to be frozen and tastes better the further you make it in advance. Ensure that you regularly feed it with brandy to bring out the best flavour and wow your family with this beautiful dessert.

Recipe and image from BBC Good Food

 

Mince Pies

If you’re planning on making your mince pies from scratch this year, why not make them now and freeze them in time for the big day? Although they are fairly easy to make, it’s important to take the time to make nice pastry decorations for the topping so making them in advance means no rushing on the design nearer the time!

Recipe and image from BBC Good Food

 

Bread Sauce

Bread sauce is a must for the condiment section on the Christmas table however as a smaller element to the whole meal it can sometimes get forgotten about. So this year make it in advance and freeze in some tupperware containers. Try this with all your condiments to save you that little extra time.

Recipe and image from BBC Good Food

 

Stuffing

The recipe for this stuffing can be made for up to 3 days in advance and all you need to do is pop it into the fridge before cooking on the day.

Recipe and image from Allrecipes.com

 

Christmas Pudding

If you make Christmas pudding a month in advance it has time to mature and ensure that those beautiful flavours are really shown through when you have a piece of it. You can then freeze it and it will keep perfectly until you take it out on Christmas Eve ready for the next day.

Recipe and image from Nigella.com

 

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a must at Christmas time and cannot be missed on your drinks list, however if you don’t have time to make it but don’t want to buy a bottle, then make the mulled wine in advance and store in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Then when you are ready for a drink, take it out and reheat on the hob. Add the fruit once you take it out and it is ready to drink so it is fresh and this way it will really add to the flavour.

Recipe and image from JamieOliver.com

 

Chocolate Roulade

This recipe can allow you to make the roulade the day before and keep it in the fridge or if that is pushing time make 1 month prior to Christmas Day and freeze it, remembering to take it out of freezer the night before.

Recipe and image from MaryBerry.com