The holidays are chaotic enough without spending hours on elaborate meals that leave you too exhausted to enjoy the celebration. Sometimes, taking shortcuts in the kitchen is just about survival. From store-bought conveniences to simplifying prep work, these time-saving hacks will save your sanity. Sure, they might ruffle a few feathers among the purists, but when you’re juggling endless to-do lists, who has time to care?
Pre-Made Pie Crusts
Skip the time-consuming task of rolling out dough by using pre-made pie crusts. Available in frozen or refrigerated options, these crusts save time and still bake up flaky. Purists may judge, but it’s a lifesaver during busy holidays.
Boxed Cake Mix for Desserts
Using boxed cake mix as a base for cakes or cookies saves time and guarantees consistent results. Add a few extras like vanilla or spices to make it taste homemade, and no one will know the difference.
Store-Bought Gravy
Making gravy from scratch can be tricky, especially under pressure. Store-bought gravy heats up in minutes and can be enhanced with pan drippings or fresh herbs for a more authentic flavor without the stress.
Pre-Chopped Vegetables
Save hours of peeling and chopping by opting for pre-cut vegetables. Whether for soups, casseroles, or roasting, this shortcut minimizes prep time and mess, letting you focus on more critical holiday tasks.
Rotisserie Chicken for Stuffing or Casseroles
Swap raw chicken for a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken when making stuffing, casseroles, or pot pies. It’s flavorful, juicy, and a huge time-saver, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
Canned or Boxed Broth
Homemade stock is great but not always practical. High-quality canned or boxed broth works perfectly for soups, gravies, and casseroles, saving hours of simmering time while still delivering good flavor.
Frozen Dough for Rolls
Instead of making bread dough from scratch, grab frozen dough. Let it thaw and rise, then bake fresh rolls without the hassle. Perfect for holiday dinners when oven space is tight.
One-Pot Recipes
Reduce dishwashing chaos by choosing one-pot recipes like soups, stews, or casseroles. They save time, energy, and cleanup, making them perfect for managing holiday stress while still feeding a crowd.
Microwave for Quick Reheating
While controversial for some, the microwave is a fast and efficient way to reheat sauces, gravies, and sides without drying them out. Use it strategically to free up your oven and stovetop space during busy cooking times.
Frozen or Pre-Made Appetizers
Stock up on frozen appetizers like puff pastry bites or pre-made dips. These quick-to-heat options give you time to focus on the main meal while keeping guests happy with minimal effort.
11 Restaurant Shortcuts That Will Make You Think Twice About Eating Out
Eating out is fun, but the reality behind the scenes isn’t as appetizing as you’d think and anyone that’s ever worked in a restaurant can likely attest to this. Let’s just say there are a few things restaurants would rather you not know. From creative cost-cutting to some questionable “freshness” claims, what happens in the kitchen might just make you cringe.
Read it Here: 11 Restaurant Shortcuts That Will Make You Think Twice About Eating Out
12 Viral Food Hacks That Are Actually Worth Trying
Kitchen hacks: some are pure genius, and others make you wonder who has time for that nonsense. But every now and then, a viral food trend actually delivers the goods. These trends bring efficiency, creativity, and a bit of fun to cooking, proving they’re more than a passing internet phase. They turn simple ingredients or techniques into something surprisingly practical or inventive. Here are some recent ones worth trying.
Read it Here: 12 Viral Food Hacks That Are Actually Worth Trying
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
