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Time-saving Tips for Holiday Bring-a-Plate

With the frenzy of the holiday season upon us, we have pulled together a few ideas to save you time and energy in the kitchen freeing up time to enjoy the festivities.

Make-ahead meals

At this busy time of year, you can save yourself time, energy (and money) by batch preparing dishes ahead of time that can be frozen, so you have them at the ready to take to any event. Quiches, tarts, pies, balls, and slices can all be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Not too savvy in the kitchen? Look for no bake recipes that are easy to put together.

Crowd pleasing crudites platter

A colourful crudites platter can be pulled together with little effort, using things you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Or shop ahead for some pantry supplies to have at the ready for when you get a last-minute invitation or friends drop in.

Load up a platter or big wooden board.
Cut up colourful veggies to go with dips, olives and other marinated vegetables, fruits like grapes, figs, apple, nuts, then add some cheese and you’re good to go.
Why not try a little holiday season theme for your creation and make a wreath or a Christmas tree shape, just for fun?

Throw together salads

Salads are not the humdrum sides once thought to be. Keep it simple and spark your creativity by following these tips to side-step boring.

Include a mix of veggies and leafy greens of your choice to add colour and visual appeal.
Add a protein like prawns, leftover Christmas ham or turkey, beans, lentils, egg, tuna, tofu or nuts.
Throw in your carb of choice, like quinoa, brown rice, pasta or roasted sweet potato.
Add fresh or dried fruit for a touch of sweetness. Fresh mangoes, pomegranate, pineapple or grated apple are always in season in Summer. Tinned mandarin or lychee segments also work a treat.
Finally, include a healthy fat like olives, avocado, cheese, or toss in an oil-based dressing.

Have fun with fruit

Fruits are so colourful and add just the right amount of sweetness. With so much to choose from, seasonal fruits are easy to add to Christmas classics.

Decorate a store-bought pavlova with a variety of colourful fruits for an eye-catching favourite. It may be nothing new but is always a crowd pleaser.

Turn a classic fruit salad into a trifle by tossing through a bit of sponge cake, some custard or pudding and topping it off with a dollop of whipped cream.

Make things easier by throwing together a variety of sides with different flavours and textures that everyone can enjoy. 

Happy holidays from the Lite n’ Easy team!

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