Still have a surplus of apples or squash from the farmers market? Your holiday meal can feature these items. A holiday meal might be a nice opportunity to use up that frozen appetizer you’ve been saving for “a special occasion” or the bag of dried cranberries you haven’t known what to do with. Look in your cupboards, pantry, refrigerator and freezer for food that you already have.Plan your meals to stay within your budgetįollow these tips to help keep any meals or dishes you prepare within your budget.
FOOD BUDGET PLANNING FULL
You’ll still get to enjoy time with loved ones while saving the stress (and dollars) it takes to prepare a full meal. For example, host a card writing, cookie making, present wrapping, or sledding party and provide cookies and hot chocolate. Consider turning some traditions upside down, and host a gathering for family and friends that isn’t focused around you preparing a full meal.This can also add variety and a sense of fun to a meal! For example, you could have an appetizer at one family’s home, a casserole at the next family’s home and a dessert at the third family’s home. As a group, you can travel to each person or family’s home to share a dish, which saves on any one person needing to prepare and cook an entire meal. If everyone you are spending time with lives relatively close to each other, consider a progressive meal.Each person (or family) can bring a dish they enjoy, you save time (and money) in the kitchen and everyone is happy in the end. Consider turning one or more of your meals into a potluck.If you are making one time-consuming menu item, plan for other easy-to-prepare items to round out the meal.Prepare something in a crockpot, which will allow you to make it in the morning (or evening) and not require any additional prep until it is time to serve.Plan for dishes that you can make ahead of time, and refrigerate or freeze for later use.If you hope to spend time with your loved ones on the day of the event, you won’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day. Plan your meals with the time required to prep and cook in mind. Here are some suggestions to cook up your best holiday meals yet. Chances are that spending time with family and friends is more important than how fancy or expensive a holiday meal is.Ĭooking for family and friends during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the holiday.
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