Countdown to Christmas Baking – Step 1

On Sunday, I went to a Tree Trimming workshop at our local Garden Centre. They had about 45 trees already decorated for us that we could check out on our way to the demonstration. Then the two presenters got to work, showing the over 100 attendees how to properly dress trees for the holidays. Eek! It’s time for me to get organized!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas baking time is my favourite season of the year! When a friend called to schedule a date next week for us to bake baklava, I knew that I had to get organized.  So, today I begin.

We all enjoy homemade baked goods during the holidays. Everyone loves how the house smells, and we can’t wait until the big day to bite into the delectable goodies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, many times Christmas baking can also be overwhelming, especially for the cook. This week I will post my Christmas baking organization strategies. I hope that you will find them helpful too.

Step 1: How to Pick the Perfect Recipes for Your Holiday Baking

One way to save time, money and effort is to start out by picking the right recipes for your holiday baking. You want to ensure that you make something for everyone, so that everyone has fond memories of the wonderful food, the smells, and the joy. But, you also want to make sure that you choose recipes that make it easier to get the baking done. Picking recipes with these things in mind will make the holiday baking so much more enjoyable.

 

• Make Items That Are Freezable – If you can make it ahead and freeze it and still get a good result, consider the recipe a winner. This will ensure that  you finish the holiday baked items your family enjoys in time for your special occasions.

 

• Make Baked Goods with Similar Ingredients – Most baked goods actually do have very similar ingredients, just in different amounts, mixed in different ways. You know you’re going to need sugar, butter, flour and then a variety of different spices and additions to make each recipe complete.

 

• Revisit Baking Memories from the Past – Gingerbread, sugar cookies, stollen and fudge might come to mind. If you have a childhood favorite, don’t skip it. It’s always great to share those things with your children. It is part of the wonderful traditions that make up the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Ask Your Family and Friends What They Want – Everyone has something that makes the holiday for them. For some it’s pumpkin pie, for others it’s Oma’s apple pie. Whatever it is that is special to them, try to accommodate them if they’re coming to your house at any point through the holidays.

 

• Consider Any Allergies – If you have family and friends with allergies, be sure to find out what is seriously an issue for them. For example, if someone is seriously allergic to nuts and they are coming to your house for a holiday dinner, you probably want to ensure that absolutely no nuts are anywhere to be found. For friends and family who are lactose intolerant, there are always lactose -free dairy products or alternatives available when they come to visit at our house. We want everyone to feel nourished and food safe during their visit.

 

• Consider Food Preferences –Do you have someone who has a dietary preference visiting for the holidays? If you do, try to make at least one baked item they can enjoy. For example, if you have someone who is on Weight Watchers, you can go to their website and find recipes that fit their diet. Perhaps your aunt is a vegan; find some recipes online that are vegan. Taking the extra time to include them won’t be that difficult and you might find that everyone can enjoy that item, not just the one with the dietary need.

• Make Items That Consider Your Limitations – We can’t all be a perfect “Martha Stewart”. We only have so much time or space. No one is ever really going to mind that your sugar cookies were store bought from the refrigerator section or that you made bread from a box. As long as the flavors are there and you get to experience the joy of baking with your family, they’ll love it. So relax and enjoy getting ready to bake for the holidays!

 

 

 

Tags: baking, Christmas, Holiday baking, How to pick recipes for Xmas baking, organise for Christmas, perfect recipes

Category: Baking Tips