Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule…no matter your observance, December is a month for hosting! Between all the people and the food preparations, hosting can become an Olympic sport in some households. We’re here to help you keep the village happy (and out of your kitchen) while your burners are busy preparing for family dinners and holiday celebrations.
Hosts tend to be relegated to the kitchen during holiday parties, but not this year! The freezer is about to become your new sous-chef and secret weapon. There’s no reason to condense so much cooking into one day when most recipes can be made days to weeks ahead of time, frozen, and brought back to temperature when needed. Everyone still gets a home-cooked meal, and you get to enjoy it with them. Protip: Have a house full of guests you don’t want to feed every night AND make a feast for? Prep some freezer meals they can reheat themselves!
TIPS:
Your oven and stovetop are already working overtime—give them a break with these no-heat recipes. Protip: Rotisserie chicken or beans can be your best friends when it comes to quick, filling, and protein-packed lunches.
Entertainment is imperative to taming the masses. Keep everyone engaged with new games they may have never heard of!
Whether you’re hosting friends for the night or family for a week, these tips can help you spend a little less time in the kitchen, and a little more time with your loved ones (or just getting a break!).