While kids might dream of colorfully wrapped toys waiting under the tree, hosts wish that the holiday meal is the ultimate feast that will be unwrapped at the table. According to several professional chefs, this holiday meal tip can set even the novice cook on the road to success.
During the holidays, many people who rarely turn on an oven step into the kitchen to cook the celebratory meal. Even though there are ready to heat food options available, many people want to pull out grandma’s recipe, a dish seen on social media, or fancy their attempt at a Gordon Ramsay style meal.
While those ambitious culinary dreams are endearing, cooks can appreciate a little help to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen. It might not be a guiding hand nudging them to add more salt to the pasta water, but some sound advice is beneficial.
After surveying several professional chefs, one general idea is universally accepted. It is best to prepare. Planning can help any cook feel less frazzled on the big day.
As Corporate Chef Alex Rodriguez, Marriott Vacations Worldwide shared, “When it comes to cooking and serving a holiday feast, preparation is key. Chop, prep, and measure ingredients a day or two in advance, marinate proteins, pre-cut vegetables, and set up mise en place – chef talk for all ingredients prepared and organized – so on the big day, you only have to cook or assemble. Make entertaining easier by preparing large-batch cocktails, mocktails and/or non-alcoholic punch so guests can serve themselves. Pre-chill or freeze flavored ice cubes to keep drinks cool without diluting them. And the final step to setting yourself up for success is to prepare make-ahead desserts like pies, tarts, and trifles that taste better when the flavors have time to blend, leaving just the finishing touches.”
Additionally, Ruben Gomez, Chef – Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens said, “I always try to follow these two tips to help relieve the stress of preparing Holiday meals. After planning your menu, begin to prepare whatever items/ ingredients that can be prepared a few days ahead of the big day. Peel potatoes beforehand. Prepare your pie dough and filling, clean green beans, wash lettuce etc. I also always clean as I go while cooking to maintain a clean kitchen and not stack dirty pans until done. Better yet have your kids or partners jump in to help wash pans.”
Even if dish washing might not be the most glamourous chore, it is part of the whole experience. The old phrase about many hands make quick work still applies.
Still, the preparation mantra was front of mind for Jean-Baptiste Scordel, Executive Pastry Chef – La Grande Boucherie New York City. Scordel said, “The key to the holidays is to always be prepared! If you are trying to prepare a last-minute meal, or cook in a hurry, you can make lots of mistakes along the way. I recommend having a list of tasks or roles prepared ahead of time that you and your family or friends can follow as you prep and cook for the holiday to avoid unnecessary stressors and complications.”
The holiday meal is meant to be fun and festive. No one wants to have the whole table vibe ruined because the cook wants to run away with a bottle of wine and unwind.
As Chef Scott Rackliff, Executive Chef at Lōrea – Huntington Beach, CA said, “Relax and enjoy the moments and the company. People who are not stressed and enjoying themselves make the best food as the happiness shines through the dish.”
Whether it is the first time cooking a holiday meal or the task that is part of every year’s celebration, take a moment to make preparation a priority. It might not be the most glamourous part of the meal, but it is the key to keeping the stress minimal.