As Christmas nears, the air is filled with the warmth of holiday cooking. While Santa Claus is satisfied with a simple snack of milk and cookies, the rest of us delight in preparing a full spread to share with loved ones. Amidst the chaos of the kitchen, culinary queen Martha Stewart offers her tips for preparing a few key dishes in advance, ensuring a stress-free Christmas feast.
One of Stewart’s favorite make-ahead dishes is the potato pierogi, a recipe passed down from her mother, Martha Kostyra. These dumplings, filled with mashed potatoes and sour cream, can be prepped ahead of time and easily reheated on the day of your holiday gathering. Stewart reveals that her “Big Martha’s” pierogies contain a secret ingredient—cream cheese—making the potato filling rich and smooth. Properly stored, pierogies can last for several days in the fridge or even months in the freezer, ready to be fried, boiled, or baked when the time comes.
Another dish perfect for advance preparation is scalloped potatoes, a savory side that reheats beautifully according to Stewart. She also recommends creating your own bread in advance, suggesting a festive addition of cornbread to your holiday menu for a delightful change of pace. By keeping dry and wet ingredients separated until ready to bake, the day-of process is simplified with everything pre-measured and mixed, ready to go into the oven without hassle.
For a seasonal twist, Stewart recommends preparing pumpkin or squash dishes in advance, such as a comforting soup that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. While cream-based soups are best served fresh, broth-based options can be made ahead of time and frozen, providing an easy and delicious meal option during the holidays. Just be sure to cook any grains separately and add them once the soup base is reheated for optimal texture and flavor.
As you prepare for the festivities ahead, take a cue from Martha Stewart and streamline your Christmas cooking with these make-ahead dishes. From pierogies to soups, creating meals in advance allows you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones and less time stressing in the kitchen. Embrace the holiday spirit with delicious food that’s ready when you are, making your Christmas celebration truly merry and bright.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.