Today's Kitchen Tip: Spread the work out over a few days

Holiday meals can be so stressful.  It seems like we spend the entire day cooking for a meal that is over in 20 minutes.  By the time dinner is ready, you're already exhausted. 

Rather than prepare everything at once, see which items can be made ahead of time and spread out the work.  For example, if you are making mashed potatoes, you can make them the day before, then heat them up right before you serve them.  Desserts are another good option for making ahead of time.  We love cheesecake as a holiday dessert so things like that can be made a day or two ahead.

Many veggies can be made the day before, too.  If you are serving appetizers before dinner, try making them beforehand, then either baking them or heating them up right before service.

I often make my salad the day before.  I just do not add 'stuff' to it and I never dress it beforehand.

Look at what you are serving and see what can be made early.  You will have a much more enjoyable holiday and might even have a few minutes to put your feet up during the day.