We can't wait for the holiday baking, party appetizers, and festive feasts to commence! But, before we break out the eggnog, we have to make sure our kitchen is up for the task.
Here are ten tips that will help prepare your kitchen for the holiday entertaining season:
1. Clean out your fridge and freezer
Looking to start your holiday baking early? There are so many great make-ahead Christmas cookies you can prepare and freeze, but you're going to need space! Get your kitchen holiday-ready with a fresh fridge and freezer.
2. Take inventory of spices
Are you stocked up on all of your must-have holiday spices? Think cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, sage, parsley and thyme! Before you restock, throw away any spices that have passed their expiry date.
3. Start collecting your favourite holiday recipes
Put your Pinterest to work! Collect all of your traditional and must-try holiday recipes in one spot to make for a simple cooking experience.
4. Clean your oven and dishwasher
If you're hosting a holiday party or family feast, your kitchen appliances are about to work overtime. On a chilly day, warm the house by running your oven through a self-cleaning cycle. To clean your dishwasher, place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the upper rack. Run a hot-water cycle, and you're done. No manual work required!
5. Check your appliances
Is it time to change your water filter? Is your refrigerator thermometer working? Are all of your burners operating? Is the dishwasher running smoothly? How about the microwave? Check to make sure that all of your kitchen appliances are working correctly and perform maintenance as needed. Trust us when we say the last thing you want is a costly breakdown at Christmas.
6. Declutter
Clear your countertops, cupboards, and drawers. Preparing food and entertaining guests is more enjoyable in a clean and organized kitchen.
7. Sharpen knives
Whether you're planning to cook a turkey, ham, or roast beef, you're going to need sharp knives for carving, slicing, and dicing this holiday season. Get your knives ready by sharpening them now.
8. Stock up on essentials
Make sure your kitchen is stocked up on baking essentials like sugar, flour, dried fruit and chocolate, and pantry staples like pasta, nuts, canned foods, jams and preserves.
9. Buy cheap to-go containers
Send guests home with leftovers in containers you're willing to part with and don't forget to purchase freezer bags for storing holiday treats.
10. Restock the bar
Hot or cold, whiskey or rum, smooth or strong, stock up on everything you'll need for your holiday bar cart! Be sure to mix in a few non-alcoholic options like a festive holiday punch.
Once you've checked all of these tasks off your list, the heart of your home will be primed and ready for holiday cooking, baking, and entertaining.
Did we miss any tips? Let us know in the comments below!
SPRAGG’S MEAT SHOP CALGARY
9675 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB, T2J 0P6
P: 403.255.1232
E: calgarystore@spraggsmeatshop.com
SPRAGG’S MEAT SHOP ROSEMARY
438 Centre St
Rosemary, AB, T0J 2W0
P: 403.378.3800
E: meatshop@spraggsmeatshop.com