Another holiday season is upon us. With all the parties,
programs and family gatherings, meal planning can become a challenge. The
hustle and bustle can put a strain on any family – not to mention blow its
budget. Here are some tips to help take the stress out of the holidays, and
leave more cash in your wallet.
Note, all the recipes I’ve included below are available
online through Coupons.com. Simply click on the site’s recipe tab (at
coupons.com) which takes
you to a huge online recipe database and type in the name of the recipe you
want to find. Many of the recipes have coupons in line with the ingredients
list for additional savings on needed items.
Simplify Cookies
It just wouldn’t seem like the holidays without cookies. If
you’re experiencing that holiday time crunch, use ready-made cookie dough
and you’ll have “homemade” cookies in a matter of minutes. You’ll find
several varieties in your grocery store’s refrigerated section. Pillsbury®
Ready to Bake Cookies and Nestlé Tollhouse Refrigerated Cookie and Brownie
dough are great for busy parents and fun for kids. Search their websites
for printable coupons and special promotions (pillsbury.com and
verybestbaking.com respectively). You can also check sites like Coupons.com
for deals on cookie dough, or other baking ingredients.
If you do have time to bake, here’s a basic sugar cookie
recipe that is very versatile. Freeze the dough itself or bake the cookies
and frost them later on.
Go Potluck
If you’re entertaining over the holidays, make things easier
on yourself by asking guests to bring a dish to pass. Most likely people
will ask you what they can bring anyway, so don’t refuse their offers!
When you’re invited to a potluck, select a meal that is likely to please
the majority of the guests. This potato recipe is simple, economical and a
guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake this at home, then wrap the covered pan in
towels to keep it warm on your way to the event.
Cook Ahead
If it’s your turn to host the big holiday meal, do as much of
the prep ahead of time as you can. That way, you’ll be able to spend time
socializing with family and friends instead of in the kitchen. Beef brisket
can be prepared a day ahead, as well as many hors d’oeuvres.
Get Creative with Loss Leaders
This time of year, supermarkets have a surplus of bargains
designed for holiday meals. Thinking outside the box can open up a whole
new world of possibilities for the ingredients that are readily available.
Use the Internet to search for unique, creative ways to use traditional
ingredients. Coupons.com not only provides great holiday recipes, but also
notifies you of coupons that correspond with listed ingredients. Here is a
fun recipe that uses pumpkin in a whole new way:
Create Meals to Freeze
Rushing off to parties, programs and going shopping can leave
little time to make well-balanced meals. With a dinner or two ready to go
in the freezer, you’ll avoid the drive-through temptation and save more
money for gifts. To simplify the process, prepare double batches of the
foods you eat when you do cook, and put one meal in the freezer.
Soups and stews freeze well and taste great on cold nights.
Lasagna can be assembled (don’t cook the noodles) and frozen for later use.
Allow ample time to thaw before baking.
Love Those Leftovers
If you’re roasting a turkey this holiday season, you’ll
probably have some leftovers. In fact, buying a large turkey is more
economical since you’re getting more meat per pound. Turkey leftovers can
easily substitute your favorite chicken recipes. Cooked turkey can be taken
off the bone and kept in the freezer for three to four months. The bones
and carcass can be boiled and used for broth or soup.
Give Edible Gifts
Attractively packaged, homemade cookies and candies can make
an inexpensive gift. Jar gifts are also very popular and can include mixes
for brownies, cookies or even soups. Layer the ingredients creatively and
tie the jar with an attractive ribbon. Don’t forget to include
cooking/baking instructions. Look for jars, baskets and other containers at
your local Dollar Store.
Whether you are a casual cook or go-all out this time of
year, I hope these tips will help stretch your budget as well as leave more
time for what's truly important: friends and family. Happy holidays!
