Concentrate on making memories (not washing up) with these prep-ahead ideas, cooking cheats and kitchen hacks from chefs and experts.
1 GO SPICY
‘I keep rosemaryspiced walnuts on hand as a snack,’ says cook Torie True, author of Chilli & Mint (Meze, £25). ‘Gently fry 150g walnuts in olive oil. Add 1 tsp light brown sugar; once caramelised, stir in chopped rosemary, salt and pepper, along with tsp paprika or chilli.’
2 ADD A BOOST TO GRAVY
‘Try a hefty glug of date molasses in gravy; it lifts it by 100%,’ says Neil Campbell, head chef at Rovi.
3 USE SHOP-BOUGHT
Take a time-saving tip from Verena Lochmuller, of Ottolenghi Test Kitchen. ‘I always keep a couple of tubs of shop-bought fresh custard in the fridge, which I fancify with double cream, orange zest, vanilla or almond extract, or a healthy splash of something alcoholic (rum, brandy or amaretto work a dream). Pour over warm mince pies or Christmas pudding, or serve as a dip for toasted panettone.’
4 DON’T WASTE VEGGIES
Transform leftover veggies into colourful dips. Whiz up roasted root veg with a dollop of full-fat Greek yogurt or cream, your favourite spices and ground nuts.
5 CUT BACK ON JOBS
Make a list of all the things you’d like to do between now and Christmas, then cross 10% off the list without doing them. No one will notice and you’ll feel much better.
6 THREE’S A CROWD
Just make two veggie sides (usually roasties and one other). You don’t need 15 different vegetables to impress anyone.
7 CREATE A TIME BUFFER
‘It’s easy to be optimistic when planning Christmas dinner,’ says Kimberley Wilson, chartered psychologist, Bake Off finalist and author of Unprocessed (WH Allen, £22). ‘This means we underestimate how long cooking will take, and how many challenges we might face. We leave “just enough” time – which is never enough time – leaving us rushed and stressed. Try adding 50% to how long you think a task will take: allow 30 minutes for that “20-minute” recipe or quick “pop to the shops”. This gives a nice time buffer and helps keep stress under control.’
8 GET GUESTS TO HELP
Don’t be too proud to ask family to bring a dish, or ask overnight guests to pack towels and bed linen. People often like to feel useful and lending a hand is the ultimate Christmas gift.
9 REALIGN EXPECTATIONS
‘Where we p
