Time Savers

Who hasn’t found themselves at the eleventh hour still in the kitchen trying to put the finishing touches on that perfect holiday meal? Why not take some of the pressure off this holiday season by making and freezing some of those goodies ahead of time. We often don’t think about the fact that there are a number of foods that do freeze quite well. Many food experts and famous chefs will attest to the fact that it’s perfectly okay to freeze some favorite holiday fare without risking taste. Casseroles are a great make ahead freezer choice, along with many fruit pies, cookies, and breads that we all favor on the holidays. Of course, there are foods you shouldn’t attempt to freeze ahead of time, such as foods with a cream or custard base, or mayonnaise fillings. Pies with meringue tops don’t freeze well either. Even so, if you can cook half of the holiday meal ahead of time, you might actually be able to sit down with the rest of the family and enjoy all the kudos that will be directed your way. And say, if you still find yourself running out of time to be able to cook, there’s nothing wrong with serving a delicious store bought pie in that family heirloom pie plate!