Christmas Countdown

Now’s the perfect time to put together your Christmas Day dinner to do lists. The earlier you start to prepare the better, and it takes out all the panic that can suddenly appear mid December! We’ve got all the advice you need straight from the professional team at the Walled Garden Bistro, at Barton Grange Hotel near Preston, who have been preparing for Christmas Day since the summer!

The first thing to do in November is put together a big to do list of what needs to be prepared and all the meals you are going to cook with their ingredients, broken down by week until you reach Christmas. Decide what is going to feature on your Christmas Day menu and rustle up some dishes to freeze that you can eat after Christmas Day so you don’t have to be rushing round prepping lots of meals.

Once you’ve done this it’s also worth thinking about how friends and family can help out and what they can do.

Mid November

Christmas puddings can be made now and then kept in a cool, dark dry place until the big day. You can also make mince pies now and freeze them and then just defrost when you need them, and if you have any unexpected guests.

Another time saving tip is to parboil all your veg and potatoes now and freeze them. Parboil them for no longer than 4 minutes and then you can defrost on Christmas Eve and they just need either roasting or a minute or two in a pan of boiling water.

End November

Now’s the time to make up some meals to eat inbetween Christmas and New Year. Lasagnas, Chilli and shepherds pies are perfect for this.   Also make sure your stock cupboard and freezer is stocked up – half-baked baguettes, crackers, cheese, herbs and dry ingredients and meat in the freezer just in case you need to rustle up a casserole at the last minute

December

If you‘re having a number of desserts you can cheat and buy in a few frozen ones or buy in key ingredients and make your own. Save such things as trifles to make a few days before.

Mid December

Do one last shop for crisps, nuts etc and cheeses.

23^rd December

Make up fresh desserts for the big day such as trifle and then put your feet up!!! You deserve it!

Merry Christmas from everyone at The Walled Garden Bistro, at Barton Grange Hotel.

This blog was provided by The Walled Garden Bistro, Barton Grange Hotel, near Preston

For more information on Christmas in Lancashire including markets, ice rinks, meeting Santa, shopping and panto!