Christmas Dinner: Preparing Early, How Far Is Too Far?

Christmas is a time to relax and indulge, but preparing Christmas dinner can be stressful. Getting ahead on Christmas dinner can save you lots of time and allow you to focus on other things, like spending time with loved ones. So, how far in advance can you prepare Christmas dinner?

The good news is that many dishes can be made or partially made in advance and frozen or stored in the fridge. For example, mashed potatoes, par-boiled potatoes, and cut-up root vegetables can be prepared several days ahead and stored in the fridge. Pigs in blankets can be prepared and frozen, and then baked when needed. Gravy can also be made and frozen up to three months in advance.

Some dishes are better prepared closer to the big day. For example, boiled sprouts don't freeze well and can become mushy when defrosted. It's better to blanch them in boiling water a few days before and then cook them on the day.

Turkey can be frozen and reheated

Freezing Turkey:

• Raw turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but it's best to cook it within a year for optimal quality.
• Wrap individual pieces of turkey securely in an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
• Whole raw turkeys can be wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap or placed in an airtight bag.
• Store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer.
• For optimal taste and quality, the USDA recommends the following storage times:
• Whole turkey: up to 12 months.
• Turkey pieces: up to 9 months.
• Ground turkey: 3 to 4 months.

Thawing Frozen Turkey:

• It is best to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Place the frozen package on a plate and let it thaw gradually. This can take a full day or more, depending on the size of the turkey.
• Avoid thawing frozen turkey on the counter, in hot water, or at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
• If you're in a hurry, you can submerge the turkey in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• A thawed turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking or refreezing.

Reheating Cooked Turkey:

• When reheating turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Reheat the turkey in an oven, covering it with foil and roasting until it reaches the desired temperature.
• You can also reheat sliced turkey in a dish in the microwave, covering it with stock or gravy and cooking in 30-second intervals until piping hot.
• Cooked turkey should be consumed within 3 to 4 days if refrigerated and within 2 to 6 months if frozen.

Vegetables can be peeled and chopped in advance

Preparing vegetables in advance is a great way to save time on Christmas Day and ensure a stress-free celebration. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Peeling and Chopping

You can peel and chop your vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, a day before Christmas. This will save you time and reduce mess on the day itself. Wrap the prepped vegetables in dampened kitchen towels and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Blanching

If you want to speed up the cooking process even further, you can also blanch your vegetables in advance. After chopping, simply blanch them for a couple of minutes and then plunge them into ice-cold water. Dry them off, and they're ready for freezing or refrigerating. This method works well for carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.

Freezing

To freeze your chopped or blanched vegetables, spread them out on a baking tray and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the vegetables to airtight containers or sealed bags. This technique, known as open freezing, ensures that you can take out only the amount you need, reducing waste.

Cooking

When it's time to cook your vegetables on Christmas Day, you have a few options. You can roast them from frozen, allowing a little extra time for cooking. Alternatively, if you blanched them, you can boil or steam them, reducing the cooking time by the amount you initially blanched them.

Other Tips

• If you're preparing roast potatoes, you can parboil the peeled and cut potatoes for five minutes, drain them, and then bash them up a bit before drizzling with oil and freezing.
• For carrots and parsnips, you can also roast them from frozen, allowing a little extra time.
• For Brussels sprouts, you can cut them lengthwise, parboil, drain, and then roast them.
• If you want to add some flavour to your roast vegetables, try drizzling honey and a little cumin over the carrots before freezing.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious vegetables on Christmas Day without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy holidays!

Pigs in blankets can be made and frozen

Pigs in Blankets: A Christmas Dinner Favourite

Pigs in blankets are a popular Christmas dish and can be made and frozen in advance. This is a great way to save time and stress on Christmas Day and ensure that you have a delicious dish to serve. Here are some tips and instructions to guide you through the process:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Sausages: You can use cocktail-sized smoked sausages, mini cocktail wieners, or regular hot dogs. If using hot dogs, cut them into quarters lengthwise.
• Bacon: Uncooked bacon slices will be used to wrap around the sausages.
• Toppings (optional): You can use coarse salt, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or shredded Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

Preparation and Cooking

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350-375°F (depending on your recipe). Now, let's get started:

• If using bacon, cut each slice into thirds lengthwise to create strips.
• Wrap each sausage with a strip of bacon.
• Place the pigs in blankets on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
• Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with your chosen toppings.
• Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are cooked through.
• Remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to make pigs in blankets ahead of time and freeze them, follow these steps:

• Allow the cooked pigs in blankets to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. This is called "flash freezing."
• Once frozen, transfer the pigs in blankets to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date and contents.
• Pigs in blankets can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your pigs in blankets, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer:

• Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place the desired number of pigs in blankets on a baking sheet.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Preparing pigs in blankets in advance and freezing them is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season. By following these instructions, you can ensure that you have a delicious and stress-free addition to your Christmas dinner!

Desserts can be made a day or two before

If you're making your own Christmas pudding, it's a good idea to make it the day or two before Christmas. That way, all you need to do on the day is cook it. Butterscotch Christmas pudding, for example, can be made up to two to three weeks in advance and stored in the freezer.

You can also make mince pies in advance. Fill melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry with zesty homemade mincemeat and pop them in the freezer up to a month ahead. When you're ready to eat them, simply bake them from frozen.

If you're making a dessert that doesn't need to be cooked, such as a trifle, it's a good idea to make it the day before and store it in the fridge. That way, you can focus on cooking the main course on Christmas Day.

Stuffing can be frozen

Stuffing is a Christmas dinner staple, but preparing it can be time-consuming. The good news is that you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Freezing Stuffing

Freezing stuffing is an excellent way to save time on Christmas Day. It is best to freeze stuffing before baking it, as this will help retain its moisture when you cook it from frozen on the day. To freeze stuffing, shape it into balls and open-freeze them on a tray. This technique, also known as flash freezing, ensures that the stuffing balls don't stick together. Once frozen solid, transfer the stuffing balls into airtight containers or sealed bags and store them in the freezer.

Defrosting and Cooking Frozen Stuffing

When you're ready to enjoy your stuffing, simply defrost it in the fridge or microwave and then bake it until cooked through. If you're short on time, you can cook frozen stuffing straight from the freezer. Just pop it into the oven and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing Stuffing in the Fridge

If you prefer not to freeze your stuffing, you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Stuffing can be kept in the fridge for up to two days before cooking, giving you some flexibility in your meal preparation.

Benefits of Preparing Stuffing in Advance

Preparing your stuffing in advance can reduce the stress of Christmas Day cooking. It also allows you to focus on other dishes and gives you more time to enjoy the festive season with your loved ones. Additionally, preparing and freezing food in advance can help reduce food waste, as you can cook only what is needed and save any leftovers for another time.

Frequently asked questions