Holiday Baking and Meal Planning

For most of us, the holidays come with many parties and family get-togethers that always involve yummy food. You may be the beneficiary, or you throw the big party. Either way, you are doing more baking and cooking than usual. ​

Every year, I ask my family for their input on the menu. What are our must-haves? It’s always interesting to hear their favorites. This is when I start making a list. I write down every idea that comes up. Although we may not make everything on the list, it's a good plan to get all the ideas in one place.  

Once I have our wish list, I use it as a springboard to decide when we plan to serve each holiday goody. Our family tradition is having a “party foods” meal on Christmas Eve. We usually have lots of leftovers, which are great to snack on throughout the lazy days of Christmas break.

So, whether you are gifting your treats or reviving family traditions, we have a few ideas to help you organize your holiday baking.

5 Steps To Refresh Your Holiday Baking Plan

Step 1: Make A Wish List of Foods

If your family is like most, they have their holiday favorites! Whether it's classic sugar cookies or grandma’s famous cornbread dressing, every family has a list of must-have holiday delights. With festive cupcakes, peppermint-flavored everything, and finger foods for a holiday gathering or Christmas Eve tradition, the menu can get long. So, put a list together to make sure you don’t leave anything out!

Step 2: Gather Your Recipe Cards and Cookbooks

Many recipe cards and cookbooks are passed down through generations, and pulling them out adds a touch of nostalgia. However, If you are trying something new, you may need to look for it online. Get all your recipes in one spot to reduce the chaos when making that last-minute dish. ​

Step 3: Make A Comprehensive Grocery List

Comb through each recipe and write down all the ingredients needed for your holiday treats. Here are some basic ingredients to get you started:

• Essentials: Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and yeast if you are baking your bread.
• Special Ingredients: Candied fruits, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans), chocolate chips, and extracts (peppermint, almond).
• Decorations: Food coloring, edible glitter, sprinkles.
• Pie Ingredients: Apples, pumpkin puree, pecans, and pre-made pie crusts if you're short on time.
• Don't forget seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg!

Step 4: Buy Your Items Ahead

​To avoid the last-minute rush, look at your list and identify the non-perishable supplies you can buy ahead, like dry and canned goods, baking supplies, and decorative elements. If your recipes require unique or hard-to-find ingredients, try to source them early or order online.

Step 5: Get A Headstart With Early Baking and Freezing

Several dishes and treats can be made in advance and frozen to reduce stress around the holidays. Don’t forget to label and date everything you freeze. 

• Make and freeze cookie dough ahead of time. You can slice and bake cookies straight from the freezer.
  
• Prepare and freeze pie crusts so you're ready to fill and bake closer to the holidays.
  
• Some holiday casseroles, like lasagna or scalloped potatoes, can be assembled and frozen in advance for easy reheating.

Get Some Holiday Help!

Remember, holiday baking isn’t just about food—it's also about creating lasting memories. Don’t let your pantry add to your stress. Our professional organizing experts are here to declutter, categorize, and maximize your pantry space so you can easily find ingredients, make room for your staples, and enjoy your holiday meal prep. Contact us to schedule a pantry refresh and savor the joy of cooking and baking this holiday season.